why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Low Trend for VZV-Associated Disease Patients to Visit Neurologists

Date Published: 2023-05-16

Abstract:
Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the sensory ganglia, such as cranial nerve ganglia and dorsal root ganglia. Although it presents as a painful vesicular rash, HZ is not just a skin disease. HZ episodes can lead to various complications and sequelae, including, neurological disorders such as limb paralysis, cerebrovascular disorders, cardiovascular disease, and serious scarring. Pain is the most common complication, with many cases of acute HZ followed by severe zoster-associated pain (ZAP). This pain may persist for months or even years after the HZ rash heals, which is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a type of neuropathic pain caused by damage to the axons and myelin by the VZV., This condition, along with acute ZAP, imposes a significant economic burden on the healthcare system,, which implies there are currently no effective and safe treatments for PHN. VZV infection is a complex medical condition that requires expertise from multiple specialties, including infectious diseases, immunology, dermatology, pain management, and neurology. Although available guidelines suggest effective agents based on current evidence, they do not provide a specific algorithm for management. This leaves the choice of agents and timing of evaluation to the physician’s discretion.– A survey of internists and family practitioners found the median number of yearly patient visits for HZ and PHN was two and four, respectively. Unfortunately, only one-quarter of physician respondents referred patients with HZ, and two-thirds referred patients with PHN to a subspecialist. Approximately % and just over % of respondents reported referring over % of their patients with HZ or PHN, respectively, to a subspecialist. This highlights the need for improved treatment methods, as HZ and PHN continue to be prevalent. HZ and ZAP are VZV-infectious peripheral neuropathies or VZV-induced nerve injuries, that require attention from neurologists and researchers as an area of unmet clinical need and as an archetype of neuropathic pain. This study aimed to assess the frequency of HZ, ZAP, and PHN patients visiting neurologists rather than other specialists.

Introduction:
Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the sensory ganglia, such as cranial nerve ganglia and dorsal root ganglia. Although it presents as a painful vesicular rash, HZ is not just a skin disease. HZ episodes can lead to various complications and sequelae, including, neurological disorders such as limb paralysis, cerebrovascular disorders, cardiovascular disease, and serious scarring. Pain is the most common complication, with many cases of acute HZ followed by…

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot