Higher Prevalence and Distinct Features of Herpes Zoster Infection in Children than Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2015 Aug;34(8):905-7. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000756.

Abstract

Herpes zoster infection was significantly more often observed in children (10%, N = 362) than in adults (4%, N = 1830). At herpes zoster infection diagnosis, disease activity score (8 vs. 3, P = 0.002) was higher in children, and fever (43% vs. 12%, P < 0.0001), nephritis (45% vs. 25%, P = 0.038), anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies (76% vs. 15%, P < 0.0001) and low C4 (48% vs. 22%, P = 0.017) were more often observed in children versus adults. Post herpetic neuralgia was less common in children than adults (3% vs. 24%, P =0.005).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Herpes Zoster* / complications
  • Herpes Zoster* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / epidemiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / virology
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies