Quantification of risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster patients: A cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia, the neuropathic pain that commonly follows herpes zoster.

Methods

Using primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we fitted multivariable logistic regression models to investigate potential risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia (defined as pain ≥90 days after zoster, based on diagnostic or prescription codes), including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and characteristics of the acute zoster episode. We also assessed whether the effects were modified by antiviral use.

Results

Of 119,413 zoster patients, 6,956 (5.8%) developed postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia risk rose steeply with age, most sharply between 50 and 79 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for a 1

SUBMITTER: Forbes HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4932239 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature