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New Findings on Risk Factors for Postherpetic Neuralgia From 2014 to 2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Bing Liang1, Yiwen Wan2, Xinglai Su2
1Department of Pain Therapeutics, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pain Research
|November 4, 2025
Summary
This meta-analysis identifies key risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), including age, severe rash, and comorbidities like diabetes and COPD. These findings aid in predicting PHN occurrence and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Identifying novel risk factors for PHN is crucial for clinical prediction and prevention.
- This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes recent PHN risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first meta-analysis of newly identified PHN risk factors over the past decade.
- To evaluate temporal changes in these risk factors.
- To assist clinicians in predicting PHN occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies (2014-2024).
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
- Assessed study quality using AHRQ or NOS criteria.
- Calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Main Results:
- Seventeen studies with 124,078 participants identified 81 potential risk factors.
- Significant risk factors include older age, severe rash, acute pain severity, anxiety/depression, diabetes mellitus, malignancy, COPD, and peptic ulcers.
- Female sex and inflammatory factors were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Newly identified PHN risk factors include COPD, hypertension, anxiety/depression, malignancy, and peptic ulcers.
- Results should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.
- Future research should focus on these factors to enhance clinical prediction and prevention strategies.
