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[Herpes zoster: incidence study among "sentinel" general practitioners]
S Czernichow1, A Dupuy, A Flahault
1Unité d Biostatisique et Informatique Médicale, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|June 8, 2001
Summary
The incidence of herpes zoster in France is estimated at 3.2 cases per 1,000 people annually. This study also found that 18.4% of herpes zoster cases developed chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common viral infection.
- Its incidence in France was previously unknown.
Purpose:
- To estimate the incidence of acute herpes zoster in France.
- To survey general practitioner prescribing habits and attitudes towards herpes zoster management.
Summary:
- A postal survey of 744 general practitioners in the "Sentinel" network in 1998 estimated the incidence of herpes zoster at 3.2 cases per 1,000 inhabitants.
- Oral antiviral drugs were prescribed to 73% of patients, and analgesics to 63%.
- Chronic pain developed in 18.4% of the 605 reported herpes zoster cases.
Impact:
- The estimated incidence is comparable to that in other developed countries.
- Findings provide crucial data for public health planning and resource allocation in France.
- Highlights the prevalence of chronic pain post-herpes zoster, informing treatment strategies.