Prognostic factors in herpes zoster oticus (ramsay hunt syndrome)

To determine if an accurate prognosis can be made in patients with Herpes zoster oticus (HZO), facial nerve outcomes were assessed at 1-year after onset and compared with symptoms and signs at presentation.

Individual retrospective cohort study of 101 records in a case series (level of evidence: Level 2b).

Symptoms, signs, audiology, and treatment records were analyzed to determine their association with facial nerve outcome at 1 year.

Mean improvement at 1 year for the 101 patients was 3 House-Brackmann (HB) grade units. Initially, severity ranged from HB III to HB VI. Mean recovery was significantly greater for those patients who were initially more affected, although at 1 year, they had still not recovered to the same grade as those initially less affected. Having both incomplete eye closure and a dry eye was associated with less recovery at 1 year. The use of prednisone combined with an antiviral agent, and begun at or after Day 5 of the illness, was related to a better facial nerve outcome. No other symptom, sign, or audiologic feature was of prognostic value.

All patients with HZO improved facial function to some degree, with the mean gain at 1 year after onset being 3 HB grade units. Improvement was less for patients who initially had both incomplete eye closure and dry eye. The group who received a combination of an antiviral medication with steroids given after 5 days had the best facial nerve outcome.