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Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: declining age at presentation
Emma C Davies1, Deborah Pavan-Langston1, James Chodosh1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 17, 2015
Summary
The number of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cases increased, with patients presenting at a younger average age. This suggests childhood varicella vaccination may influence HZO epidemiology in adults.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
- The epidemiology of HZO may be influenced by widespread childhood varicella vaccination.
- Changes in HZO incidence and age of onset warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in the age of occurrence of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
- To analyze HZO case trends at a tertiary ophthalmic referral center.
- To assess the relationship between HZO and immunodeficiency over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 913 patients diagnosed with acute HZO.
- Analysis of electronic medical records from 2007 to 2013.
- Tracking annual HZO case numbers, mean patient age, and immunodeficiency status.
Main Results:
- HZO cases increased from 71 in 2007 to 195 in 2013.
- The mean age of HZO patients significantly decreased from 61.2 to 55.8 years.
- No significant change in HZO cases associated with immunodeficiency was observed.
Conclusions:
- Patients with HZO presenting to the clinic were younger in 2013 compared to 2007.
- Childhood varicella vaccination is a potential factor contributing to the observed decrease in HZO patient age.
- Further population-based studies are needed to confirm the impact of vaccination on HZO epidemiology.
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