Association between Chronic Interstitial Cystitis and Herpes Zoster

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Herpes zoster (HZ) is linked to significant health burdens, including infection and depression.
• The association between chronic interstitial cystitis (CIC) and HZ risk remains unexplored.
• This study aimed to investigate the potential link between CIC and the development of HZ.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if patients diagnosed with chronic interstitial cystitis (CIC) have an elevated risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ).
• To quantify the risk of HZ in individuals with CIC compared to a matched control group.
• To identify specific demographic groups within the CIC population that may be at higher risk for HZ.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database from Taiwan.
• A cohort of 1096 patients newly diagnosed with CIC between 2000-2012 was established.
• Each CIC patient was matched with four controls based on age and diagnosis year, with follow-up until December 2013.

Main Results:

• The incidence of HZ was 10.8 per 1000 person-years in the CIC cohort versus 7.25 per 1000 person-years in controls.
• Patients with CIC exhibited a 1.48-fold increased risk of HZ compared to controls.
• Individuals with CIC aged 49 years or younger showed a 1.91-fold higher risk of HZ.

Conclusions:

• Chronic interstitial cystitis (CIC) is associated with a significantly increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ).
• The findings underscore the importance of considering CIC as a potential risk factor for HZ.
• Particular attention should be paid to younger adults diagnosed with CIC due to their elevated HZ risk.