title: Herpes zoster oticus: treatment with intravenous acyclovir.
abstract: Herpes zoster oticus generally has a poor prognosis, leaving many patients with permanent facial nerve dysfunction. This preliminary report describes results in seven patients treated for zoster; all were given intravenous acyclovir. Patients were infused with 10 mg/kg every 8 hours over a 7-day hospitalization period. Five of the seven patients showed some return of facial function at the time of discharge. At follow-up, 4 patients had achieved a House grade I result, 1 patient a grade II, and 2 patients a grade III. Reasons for the differences in final results are discussed, along with a recommended regimen for treatment.
authors.affiliation: Ear and Nose-Throat Clinic, P.A., Little Rock, AR 72205-6358.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Dickins
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000212:Acyclovir