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Risk Factors for Aseptic Meningitis in Herpes Zoster Patients.
Sang-Hoon Kim1, Seong-Min Choi1, Byeong C Kim1
1Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Annals of Dermatology
|June 2, 2017
Summary
Herpes zoster (HZ) patients with craniocervical rash distribution or male gender face a higher risk of developing aseptic meningitis. This rare complication requires careful monitoring in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, can lead to rare complications like aseptic meningitis.
- HZ-associated aseptic meningitis may necessitate hospitalization and prolonged treatment, impacting patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with the development of HZ-associated aseptic meningitis.
- To analyze risk factors differentiating uncomplicated HZ from HZ with aseptic meningitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 578 eligible patients diagnosed with HZ over two years.
- Data from neurology and dermatology departments were compared between uncomplicated HZ and aseptic meningitis groups.
Main Results:
- Craniocervical rash distribution (87.5% vs 54.3%, p=0.043) and male gender (66.7% vs 42.8%, p=0.033) were significantly more prevalent in the aseptic meningitis group.
- Craniocervical involvement showed a 5.884 odds ratio for aseptic meningitis (p=0.001).
- Logistic regression confirmed craniocervical involvement (OR 5.667, p=0.006) as a significant risk factor, with a borderline significant gender difference (p=0.050).
Conclusions:
- Craniocervical distribution of skin rash in HZ patients is strongly associated with an increased risk of aseptic meningitis.
- Male gender is also identified as a potential risk factor for developing HZ-associated aseptic meningitis.
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