title: Population-based study of herpes zoster and its sequelae.
abstract: The epidemiology of herpes zoster and its sequelae have been investigated in a community-based study. The incidence rates observed in Rochester, Minnesota, are lower than those determined in practice-based series; and this may reflect some selectivity in practice-based series compared to population-based studies. No significant sex difference or seasonal variation was observed but the incidence did increase markedly with age. An increase in incidence was also observed over the 15-year period studied. The dermatomal distribution of herpes zoster observed in Rochester was quite similar to previous studies, despite their inherent biases in case ascertainment, except for a lower proportion with cranial nerve zoster. Herpes ophthalmicus (V1) appears to affect a slightly different population than zoster of the other dermatomes, with elderly males being more at risk. Also, herpes ophthalmicus is associated with a higher complication rate compared to the other dermatomes primarily due to the fragility of the involved organ. The elderly are also at greatest risk for the most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia. The rate of PHN is not significantly increased in any particular dermatome but is significantly decreased in lumbar herpes zoster.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014605:Uveitis / Q000209:etiology