Longitudinal analysis of varicella-zoster virus DNA on the ocular surface associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Practice Patterns in the Initial Management of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in the United States

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to examine the trends in the initial management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in the United States from 2010 to 2018 and compare them with the treatment preferences of corneal specialists.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational deidentified cohort study was conducted on individuals enrolled in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse who had a new diagnosis of HZO from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2018. An online survey ascertaining HZO management perspectives was distributed to The Cornea Society listserv. The main outcome assessed was proportion of cases with systemic antiviral prescriptions, eye care provider involvement, and follow-up visits after the initial HZO diagnosis.

RESULTS

Approximately 50% of patients received systemic antivirals the day of initial HZO diagnosis or within 7 days (45.6% and 53.7%, respectively). Most initial diagnoses were made by ophthalmologists (45.0%), followed by optometrists (19.2%). Referral rate to ophthalmology within a year of initial diagnosis was 38.6%. 48.7% cases had at least 1 follow-up visit with any type of provider within 30 days. Our survey of corneal specialists found 97% would prescribe systemic antivirals to those with ocular involvement, but 66% would prescribe antivirals to those without ocular or eyelid involvement. Seventy percent supported all patients having follow-up with an eye care provider within a month.

CONCLUSIONS

HZO antiviral therapies seem to be underprescribed in the United States, referral rates to ophthalmology are low, and follow-up is suboptimal, which are not aligned with recommendations from corneal specialists. More research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for treatment, referral, and follow-up with ophthalmology for HZO.

Manifestation of Herpetic Eye Disease after COVID-19 Vaccine: A UK Case Series

PURPOSE

To highlight the potential risk of herpetic eye disease (HED) reactivation following COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with HED within 28 days post-first dose COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes (n = 10 patients) were included. The mean interval between COVID-19 vaccination and ocular symptoms/signs was 12.3 ± 10.3 days. Four (40%) patients presented with HSV keratitis, and six (60%) patients presented with VZV keratitis (five had concurrent other signs of herpes zoster ophthalmicus). Common ocular signs included multiple scattered dendritic/pseudodendritic corneal epitheliopathy (90.9%), anterior uveitis (63.6%), and endothelitis (27.3%). All cases were successfully treated with topical and systemic antiviral treatment and/or topical corticosteroids (mean healing time = 3.9 ± 1.6 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Our case series highlights the potential temporal association between HED and COVID-19 vaccine. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is recommended in patients with a history of HED prior to COVID-19 vaccination.

Coin-shaped corneal endothelial scar in herpes zoster ophthalmicus: a case report

Background

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus includes a wide spectrum of lesions at the ocular surface, including epithelial, stromal, endothelial keratitis, and uveitis. Thus far, the occurrence of corneal endothelial disorder in herpes zoster ophthalmicus and the causative virus have not been confirmed, and the differential diagnosis and establishment of therapeutic strategies are challenging. Corneal endothelial coin-shaped lesions are well known to occur in cytomegalovirus-related corneal endotheliitis but have not been reported in patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old Asian female was referred to our ophthalmology department with recurrent anterior uveitis accompanied by coin-shaped corneal endothelial scar-like lesions that appeared after right facial herpes zoster. Diffuse corneal stromal haziness was mostly limited in the anterior stroma. The coin-shaped corneal endothelial lesions were separate from stromal lesions and showed a high-reflective scar-like line in sections of anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Anterior uveitis recurred each time she discontinued oral antiviral drug treatment for 12 months after the first event, but was remitted by the maintenance medications of combined topical ganciclovir gel with oral valaciclovir, at a dose lower than the usual adult dose, for acute or recurrent zoster-associated anterior uveitis. Corneal endothelial function remained normal and corneal endothelial and stromal lesions were unchanged throughout the treatment and follow-up period.

Conclusions

In patients with a history of facial herpes zoster with coin-shaped corneal endothelial scar accompanying recurrent anterior uveitis, suspicion for active varicella-zoster virus is warranted, and prolonged intake of oral antiviral agents is required despite varicella-zoster virus DNA not being detected in aqueous humor.

Ocular and Facial Herpes Zoster and Meningitis in an Adult after Zoster Vaccination

Purpose: To report a case of ocular and facial herpes zoster and meningitis after herpes zoster vaccination.Case summary: A 60-year-old man was administered Zostavax® on his left arm; he developed a vesicular rash over his left eye and forehead 4 days afterwards. He started antiviral drugs for the rash, and visited the hospital for severe headache and spread of the rash to involve the tip of his nose, face, and palate by day 7. He was taking Synthyroid® (Bukwang Pharmaceuticals, Seoul, Korea) since his thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer 6 years ago. He had never been diagnosed with chickenpox, but had an episode of red facial rash in childhood. Slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctival chemosis, hyperemia, and a pseudodendrite in the peripheral cornea. The anterior chamber was quiet, and there were no significant findings on his brain magnetic resonance imaging. Varicella zoster virus was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with oral acyclovir drugs and topical ganciclovir, levofloxacin, and bromfenac. One week later, the pseudodendrite disappeared and conjunctival chemosis improved. There was no recurrence during 6 months follow-up.Conclusions: Reactivation of ocular or facial herpes zoster or meningitis after zoster vaccination may occur, rarely. Immediate antiviral treatment is required in these cases.

Herpes Zoster Presentation, Management, and Prevention: A Modern Case-Based Review

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common cutaneous entity with protean clinical presentations, management options, complication rates, and prevention strategies, all of which are rife with dogma. During an inpatient consultation for HZ, have you ever been approached by a frantic staff or family member, worried that a pregnant, elderly, or infant contact will be 'infected' if they get too close? Have your patients ever asked you about their risk of having HZ twice, or claimed that they have frequent 'recurrences'? In what timeline should antiviral therapy be employed? Is there evidence for prednisone or gabapentin in acute HZ treatment? Who should be vaccinated against HZ and what are the benefits and risks? In case-based form, these and other complex but common scenarios will be examined using clinical and viral mechanistic clues, along with updated treatment and prevention guidelines, to provide a modern HZ case management compendium, comprehensive of the diverse age and health populations now presenting with this condition.

Varicella Zoster Virus Induces Differential Cell-Type Specific Responses in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells and Keratocytes

Purpose

While VZV DNA and antigen have been detected in acute and chronic VZV keratitis, it is unclear whether productive infection of corneal cells is ongoing or whether residual, noninfectious VZV antigens elicit inflammation. Herein, we examined VZV-infected primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and keratocytes (HKs) to elucidate the pathogenesis of VZV keratitis.

Methods

HCECs and HKs were mock- or VZV infected. Seven days later, cells were examined for morphology, proinflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release, ability to recruit peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils, and MMP substrate cleavage.

Results

Both cell types synthesized infectious virus. VZV-infected HCECs proliferated, whereas VZV-infected HKs died. Compared to mock-infected cells, VZV-infected HCECs secreted significantly more IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70 that were confirmed at the transcript level, and MMP-1 and MMP-9; conditioned supernatant attracted PBMCs and neutrophils and cleaved MMP substrates. In contrast, VZV-infected HKs suppressed cytokine secretion except for IL-8, which attracted neutrophils, and suppressed MMP release and substrate cleavage.

Conclusions

Overall, VZV-infected HCECs recapitulate findings of VZV keratitis with respect to epithelial cell proliferation, pseudodendrite formation and creation of a proinflammatory environment, providing an in vitro model for VZV infection of corneal epithelial cells. Furthermore, the proliferation and persistence of VZV-infected HCECs suggest that these cells may serve as viral reservoirs if immune clearance is incomplete. Finally, the finding that VZV-infected HKs die and suppress most proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs may explain the widespread death of these cells with unchecked viral spread due to ineffective recruitment of PBMCs.

Effectiveness of real-time PCR for diagnosis and prognosis of varicella-zoster virus keratitis

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of real-time PCR for the diagnosis and prognosis of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) keratitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Patients: 545 consecutive patients with keratitis were examined to quantify copy numbers of VZV DNA by real-time PCR. Association of copy numbers of VZV DNA to clinical signs and disease course was assessed by logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Of the 545 eyes, 38 (6.9%) were diagnosed as VZV keratitis. The median copy number of the VZV DNA was 10^4.19 copies; this number was significantly associated with diagnosis of VZV keratitis with the highest odds ratio of 3390 (for median copy) compared to the clinical signs. The diagnostic accuracy of the VZV DNA copy indicated good diagnostic value of area under the curve (0.92) by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and detection of unrelated VZV DNA from the cornea was very rare (0.2%). When the VZV DNA copy and clinical signs were assessed for association with the disease course of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, the disease duration was significantly prolonged in VZV keratitis cases with higher numbers of VZV DNA copies, iritis, and history of recurrences. The amount of VZV DNA led to a continuous risk of prolonged disease duration until the ocular inflammation subsided (hazard ratio 0.17, 95% CI 0.07-0.42, for median copies).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher VZV DNA copy numbers are associated with the refractoriness of VZV keratitis, and its evaluation may be a useful way to clinically diagnose and manage VZV keratitis.

Herpes zoster epidemiology, management, and disease and economic burden in Europe: a multidisciplinary perspective

Herpes zoster (HZ) is primarily a disease of nerve tissue but the acute and longer-term manifestations require multidisciplinary knowledge and involvement in their management. Complications may be dermatological (e.g. secondary bacterial infection), neurological (e.g. long-term pain, segmental paresis, stroke), ophthalmological (e.g. keratitis, iridocyclitis, secondary glaucoma) or visceral (e.g. pneumonia, hepatitis). The age-related increased incidence of HZ and its complications is thought to be a result of the decline in cell-mediated immunity (immunosenescence), higher incidence of comorbidities with age and social-environmental changes. Individuals who are immunocompromised as a result of disease or therapy are also at increased risk, independent of age. HZ and its complications (particularly postherpetic neuralgia) create a significant burden for the patient, carers, healthcare systems and employers. Prevention and treatment of HZ complications remain a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances. This is an overview of the multidisciplinary implications and management of HZ in which the potential contribution of vaccination to reducing the incidence HZ and its complications are also discussed.

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of trigeminal nerves in relapsing herpetic keratouveitis

Background

Corneal hypoesthesia is the landmark of HSV and VZV keratitis and can lead to neurotrophic keratitis. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived technique, which offers possibilities to study axonal architecture. We aimed at assessing the potential impact of recurrent HSV or VZV-related keratitis on the axonal architecture of trigeminal nerves using DTI.

Design

Prospective non-interventional study.

Participants

Twelve patients and 24 controls.

Methods

DTI using MRI of the trigeminal fibers and corneal esthesiometry using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer were acquired for patients affected by unilateral and recurrent HSV or VZV-related keratitis (3 months after the last corneal inflammatory event), and control subjects with no history of ocular or neuronal disease affecting the trigeminal pathways.

Main Outcome Measures

Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were compared between the 2 eyes of both patients and controls, and correlated with corneal esthesiometry.

Results

FA was lower in the trigeminal fibers ipsilateral to the affected eye compared to the non-affected side (0.39±0.02 versus 0.46±0.04, P=0.03). This difference was more important than the intra-individual variability observed in controls. Concomitantly, the asymmetry in ADC results was significantly correlated with the loss of corneal sensitivity in the affected eye.

Conclusions

Corneal hypoesthesia related to HSV and VZV keratitis is associated with persistent modifications in the architecture and functionality of the trigeminal fibers. These results add further explanation to the pathogenesis of HSV and VZV-induced neurotrophic keratitis, which may occur despite an apparent quiescence of the disease.

A refresher on herpes zoster, current status on vaccination, and the role of the dermatologist

BACKGROUND

Herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) have a significant impact on quality of life. PHN is often chronic and difficult to treat. Dermatologists have always been involved in making the diagnosis of these conditions and, most recently, teaching the need for early antiviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

With the introduction of a new vaccine, HZ and its difficult-to-treat complication PHN can be prevented or minimized. Preventive medicine is important and has been supported by dermatologists with sun safety programs. Patients receiving biologics are at increased risk of developing zoster.

CONCLUSION

Dermatologists should embrace zoster vaccination and recommend routine vaccination of immunocompetent individuals > age 60 years, as well as patients of any age who are starting immunosuppressants, including biologics. Given that individuals over age 50 years are at risk for PHN and studies have shown that the vaccine's immunogenicity and safety are maintained in individuals age 50 to 59 years, vaccination in this age group may be considered. Some dermatologists may consider vaccinating their own patients, but most will likely recommend that vaccination be performed by their patients' primary care physicians.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: comparison of disease in patients 60 years and older versus younger than 60 years

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical course of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and to compare the demographics, treatments, and outcomes in patients aged <60 years versus patients aged ≥60 years at the time of diagnosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of all 112 patients presenting for management of HZO from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 112 patients (58 aged <60 years and 54 aged >60 years) at the time of HZO onset.

INTERVENTIONS

Anterior segment complications, treatments, and surgical procedures were documented at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and then annually for the remainder of the follow-up period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure, inflammation, steroid use, surgical procedures, anterior segment complications, post-herpetic neuralgia, and delayed herpes zoster pseudodendrites.

RESULTS

Equal numbers of patients were affected with HZO in the younger and older age groups (51.8%, n = 58 vs. 48.2%, n = 54, respectively, P = 0.69). The most common decade of HZO onset was between 50 and 59 years. Younger patients were more likely to be healthy compared with older patients (P = 0.05). Delayed herpes zoster pseudodendrites were more common in the younger patients (36.7% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.03). The mean number of flares per patient-years was significantly higher in the younger patients (z test, P = 0.024). Post-herpetic neuralgia, neurotrophic keratopathy, and secondary infectious keratitis were more frequent in the older patients (P = 0.05). Prevalence of corneal perforation, corneal thinning, cataract formation, and glaucoma was similar between the 2 groups. Most patients in both groups (84.2% of younger patients and 89.5% of older patients) were taking topical steroids 3 years after referral for HZO.

CONCLUSIONS

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus affects individuals aged younger than and older than 60 years in similar numbers, with the most common decade of onset between age 50 and 59 years. Younger patients had more episodes of delayed pseudodendritiform keratitis and flares of inflammation compared with older patients, who had more problems related to neurotrophic keratopathy.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Treatment of viral conjunctivitis with antiviral drugs

Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common disorders observed in ophthalmic emergency departments, yet no established treatment exists. Lately, antiviral medications have been introduced into clinical practice; however, a systematic review focusing on their use and effectiveness in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis has not been previously reported. We systemically reviewed the literature to identify studies where antiviral drugs were used to treat viral conjunctivitis. Currently, aciclovir, trifluridine and valaciclovir are commonly used as antiviral agents to treat herpesvirus infections. Cidofovir has been used successfully to treat some cases of adenoviral conjunctivitis, although toxicity has also been reported. The use of other medications, such as idoxuridine, has been minimized in clinical practice due to their high toxicity. Interestingly, most of the antiviral drugs developed are used to treat herpesvirus infections, while less progress has been made in the field of adenoviral infections. For other viral causes of conjunctivitis, no effective remedy is currently available, and treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms. Caution should be exercised when coadministering other pharmacological agents, such as corticosteroids, because of emerging adverse effects.

Triaging herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients in the emergency department: do all patients require referral?

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess the predictive value of clinical signs and symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) for development of moderate to severe eye disease.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort multicenter study of 54 patients referred to the ophthalmology service after presenting to the emergency department (ED) or primary care clinic with a zosteriform rash of less than 10 days' duration. Upon referral to ophthalmology, easily assessable clinical signs and symptoms were documented. A complete ocular exam was then performed. Patients were followed for 2 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (43%) developed moderate to severe disease as defined by corneal or intraocular involvement. Eye redness and rash in the supratrochlear nerve distribution had a statistically significant association with clinically relevant eye disease. All 23 patients who developed moderate to severe eye disease presented with a red eye. Hutchinson's sign (nasociliary nerve involvement) was not predictive of clinically relevant eye disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye redness was 100% sensitive for predicting moderate to severe eye disease in this sample of patients and should necessitate immediate referral for ophthalmologic assessment. Patients lacking eye redness, even with a positive Hutchinson's sign, may not require immediate specialist consultation. All patients not being referred require careful instructions to seek further care should they develop any concerning eye symptoms such as redness, pain, photophobia, or visual disturbance.

Anterior segment manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Ocular complications are known to occur as a result of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. They can be severe leading to ocular morbidity and visual handicap. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the commonest ocular opportunistic infection seen in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Though posterior segment lesions can be more vision-threatening, there are varied anterior segment manifestations which can also lead to ocular morbidity and more so can affect the quality of life of a HIV-positive person. Effective antiretroviral therapy and improved prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections have led to an increase in the survival of an individual afflicted with AIDS. This in turn has led to an increase in the prevalence of anterior segment and adnexal disorders. Common lesions include relatively benign conditions such as blepharitis and dry eye, to infections such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus and molluscum contagiosum and malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma and Kaposi′s sarcoma. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, a new phenomenon known as immune recovery uveitis which presents with increased inflammation, has been noted to be on the rise. Several drugs used in the management of AIDS such as nevirapine or indinavir can themselves lead to severe inflammation in the anterior segment and adnexa of the eye. This article is a comprehensive update of the important anterior segment and adnexal manifestations in HIV-positive patients with special reference to their prevalence in the Indian population.

Natural history and treatment of herpes zoster

The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the natural history and treatment of herpes zoster, with a focus on pain management. Herpes zoster has the highest incidence of all neurological diseases, occurring annually in approximately 1 million people in the United States. A basic feature of herpes zoster is a marked increase in incidence with aging and with diseases and drugs that impair cellular immunity. Herpes zoster begins with reactivation of varicella zoster virus in dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia, which is often accompanied by a prodrome of dermatomal pain or abnormal sensations. Varicella zoster virus spreads in the affected primary afferent nerve to the skin and produces a characteristic dermatomal maculopapular and vesicular rash and pain. Herpes zoster acute pain lowers quality of life and interferes with activities of daily living. Antiviral therapy and scheduled analgesics form the pharmacotherapeutic foundation for herpes zoster acute pain reduction. If moderate to severe herpes zoster pain is not adequately relieved by antiviral agents in combination with oral analgesic medications, then corticosteroids, anticonvulsants (eg, gabapentin or pregabalin), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline or desipramine), or neural blockade can be considered.

PERSPECTIVE

This article presents information on the clinical features and treatment of herpes zoster. This information will help clinicians diagnose and manage herpes zoster pain.

Anterior Segment and External Ocular Disorders Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease

The eye is a common site for complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although cytomegalovirus retinitis remains the most prevalent of the blinding ocular disorders that can occur in individuals with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), several important HIV-associated disorders may involve the anterior segment, ocular surface, and adnexae. Some of these entities, such as Kaposi sarcoma, were well described, but uncommon, before the HIV epidemic. Others, like microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis, have presentations that differ between affected individuals with HIV disease and those from the general population who are immunocompetent. The treatment of many of these diseases is challenging because of host immunodeficiency. Survival after the diagnosis of AIDS has increased among individuals with HIV disease because of more effective antiretroviral therapies and improved prophylaxis against, and treatment of, opportunistic infections. This longer survival may lead to an increased prevalence of anterior segment and external ocular disorders. In addition, the evaluation and management of disorders such as blepharitis and dry eye, which were previously overshadowed by more severe, blinding disorders, may demand increased attention, as the general health of this population improves. Not all individuals infected with HIV receive potent antiretroviral therapy, however, because of socioeconomic or other factors, and others will be intolerant of these drugs or experience drug failure. Ophthalmologists must, therefore, still be aware of the ocular findings that develop in the setting of severe immunosuppression. This article reviews the spectrum of HIV-associated anterior segment and external ocular disorders, with recommendations for their evaluation and management.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in otherwise healthy children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in children.

DESIGN

Prospective-observational case series.

METHODS

Ten healthy patients (five boys, five girls) with HZO were prospectively followed. Data regarding best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, corneal sensitivity, and funduscopy were collected. The median duration of follow-up was 19 months (range eight to 78 months).

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 8.7 years (range two to 14 years +/-3.95). At last visit, two patients (20%) had decreased visual acuity and nine (90%) had some degree of abnormal corneal sensitivity and corneal opacity despite good final visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

In general, HZO seems to have a good prognosis in healthy children; nonetheless, some cases can present severe eye complications causing visual loss.

Herpes zoster virus infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The virology, pathophysiology, and treatment of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) have been investigated for many years now. Infection with VZV has different ramifications for people of different ages and immune status. The various aspects of VZV disease make it difficult to treat. Selected aspects of VZV disease that pertain to ocular disease are presented.

RECENT FINDINGS

The risk factors for VZV disease in the different age spectrums and with concomitant immunodeficiencies have been further clarified. Studies suggest that the VZV may persist for prolonged periods on the cornea after herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or VZV may cause many cases of idiopathic uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy. The different patterns of retinal disease caused by VZV may relate to the immune status. Systemic antiviral medications for herpes zoster should be instituted within 72 hours of the rash but could be used later. Systemic antivirals combined with systemic corticosteroids improve the early quality of life in HZ patients. Postherpetic neuralgia is not prevented by early systemic antivirals or corticosteroids. Present systemic antivirals are all effective, but Famvir offers the best dosing schedule. The VZV vaccine is effective but there are some issues that suggest the need for a different vaccination regimen.

SUMMARY

Further research must be performed on the clinical and therapeutic aspects of the VZV disease. Although both the vaccine and systemic antivirals have brought tremendous improvements, the disease persists. Therapy lessens but does not eliminate many of the complications. The disease may manifest in unpredictable patterns in this era of vaccination.

Shingles Immunity and Health Functioning in the Elderly: Tai Chi Chih as a Behavioral Treatment

Both the incidence and severity of herpes zoster (HZ) or shingles increase markedly with increasing age in association with a decline in varicella zoster virus (VZV)-specific immunity. Considerable evidence shows that behavioral stressors, prevalent in older adults, correlate with impairments of cellular immunity. Moreover, the presence of depressive symptoms in older adults is associated with declines in VZV-responder cell frequency (VZV-RCF), an immunological marker of shingles risk. In this review, we discuss recent findings that administration of a relaxation response-based intervention, tai chi chih (TCC), results in improvements in health functioning and immunity to VZV in older adults as compared with a control group. TCC is a slow moving meditation consisting of 20 separate standardized movements which can be readily used in elderly and medically compromised individuals. TCC offers standardized training and practice schedules, lending an important advantage over prior relaxation response-based therapies. Focus on older adults at increased risk for HZ and assay of VZV-specific immunity have implications for understanding the impact of behavioral factors and a behavioral intervention on a clinically relevant end-point and on the response of the immune system to infectious pathogens.

Effects of a behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih, on varicella-zoster virus specific immunity and health functioning in older adults

OBJECTIVE

Both the incidence and severity of herpes zoster (shingles) increase markedly with increasing age in association with a decline in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This study examined whether a behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih (TCC), affects VZV specific immunity and health functioning in older adults who, on average, show impairments of health status and are at risk for shingles.

METHODS

Thirty-six men and women (age > or =60 years) were assigned randomly to a 15-week program of TCC instruction (three 45 minute classes per week; N = 18) or a wait list control condition (N = 18). VZV-specific CMI was measured at baseline and at 1-week postintervention. Health functioning (Medical Outcome scale: SF-36) was assessed at baseline, and at 5, 10, and 15 weeks during the intervention, and at 1-week postintervention.

RESULTS

In the intent-to-treat sample, VZV-specific CMI increased 50% from baseline to 1-week postintervention in the TCC group (p < 0.05) but was unchanged in the wait list control group. In those who completed the study, 1-week postintervention SF-36 scale scores for role-physical (p < 0.05) and physical functioning (p < 0.05) were higher in the TCC group (N = 14) as compared with controls (N = 17). Older adults who had impairments of physical status at baseline showed the greatest increases of SF-36 role-physical (p < 0.01) and physical functioning (p < 0.001) during the TCC intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of TCC for 15 weeks led to an increase in VZV-specific CMI. Gains in health functioning were found in participants who received TCC and were most marked in those older adults who had the greatest impairments of health status.

Corneal epithelial keratitis in herpes zoster ophthalmicus: "delayed" and "sine herpete". A non-contact photomicrographic in vivo study in the human cornea

PURPOSE

To investigate the origin of corneal epithelial keratitis occurring without accompanying herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cutaneous rash.

METHODS

Corneal epithelial lesions in seven patients (four with a history of classical HZO with cutaneous rash, one of herpes zoster oticus, and two with no history of herpes zoster, were examined with the slit lamp and photographed by non-contact in vivo photomicrography. The findings were compared with lesions in classical acute HZO. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done in three patients.

RESULTS

Slit lamp appearance, morphology at higher magnification, and kinetics of the lesions were indistinguishable from classical acute HZO. PCR was positive for varicella-zoster virus DNA in all three samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings strongly suggest that HZO typical corneal epithelial lesions occurring in the absence of cutaneous rash are in fact recurrent episodes of virus shedding.

Human papillomavirus detection for cervical cancer prevention with polymerase chain reaction in self-collected samples

OBJECTIVE

We studied the usefulness of self-sampling in cervical cancer prevention.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was undertaken at screening services in Recife (Brazil); 253 women aged 16 to 88 years were included. Participants were randomly selected from a high-risk population for cervical neoplasia. All participants collected a self-sample with a cotton-tipped swab by rotating it against the vaginal epithelium and, possibly, the cervix. Physician-collected samples from the ectocervix and endocervix, respectively, with an Ayre's spatula and a Cytobrush endocervical brush (Medscand) were followed by thorough colposcopy. Human papillomaviruses were detected by consensus polymerase chain reaction and typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The difference among human papillomavirus results in samples that were self-collected versus physician collected was significant (P <.03). The agreements were poor among patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 (kappa <0.29) and cervical cancer (kappa < 0.10). Self-sampling missed 50% more cancers than did physician sampling (P =.04).

CONCLUSION

Self-sampling with a cotton-tipped swab for human papillomavirus detection is not a safe method for the collection of samples that are aimed at primary cervical cancer screening.