Prevention of herpes zoster and its complications: from the clinic to the real-life experience with the vaccine

Post-marketing surveillance of 10,392 herpes zoster vaccines doses in Australia

BACKGROUND

Immunisation against herpes zoster is recommended for adults aged ≥ 50 years. Two vaccines, a live attenuated (ZVL, Zostavax®) and an adjuvant recombinant subunit (HZ/su, Shingrix®), are available in Australia. Immunisation guidelines are shifting their recommendations towards HZ/su because of higher efficacy in preventing herpes zoster and associated complications. However, there are limited post-marketing data comparing the safety profiles of these vaccines.

METHODS

Data from SmartVax, an active surveillance system for monitoring adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) utilised by > 450 clinics throughout Australia, were analysed. Data from patients aged ≥ 50 years, who received ZVL or HZ/su, from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022, at clinics that utilised SmartVax were included. The proportion of records where patients who reported any, local, and systemic AEFIs after receiving ZVL or HZ/su were compared using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Data from 10,392 immunisation records (n = 8341 ZVL; n = 2051 HZ/su) were included. The proportion of AEFIs reported was higher with HZ/su (41.9 % [any], 33.8 % [local], 25.2 % [systemic]) than with ZVL (8.7 % [any], 6.2 % [local], 3.5 % [systemic]). After controlling for demographic variables, HZ/su presented a 6-fold increase in the odds (OR 6.44; 95 %CI: 5.57-7.46) of a reported AEFI compared to ZVL. Only 59 (0.6 %) of vaccinations lead to medical attention being sought due to an AEFI.

CONCLUSIONS

While rates of AEFIs was higher with HZ/su than ZVL, most AEFIs were mild and did not require medical attention. Our findings support the change in vaccine recommendations and the use of HZ/su in immunisation programs.

The Burden of Herpes Zoster on Hospital Admissions: A Retrospective Analysis in the Years of 2015-2021 from the Abruzzo Region, Italy

(1) Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Clinical reactivation, herpes zoster, takes place in 10-20% of subjects who contracted the primary infection, with a higher risk of developing zoster increasing proportionally with age, especially after 50 years of age. HZ is a common clinical problem, particularly among patients aged over 50 years and immunocompromised patients. Immunocompromised patients and adults could present an atypical and more severe course. In addition, they are at greater risk of complications. For this reason, it is important to understand the real burden of the disease and to identify the subjects who are at higher risk of HZ and its complications, also to direct preventive strategies at the right targets. The aim of the present study is to analyze HZ-related hospitalization trends in Abruzzo in the period of 2015-2021. (2) Methods: Data related to hospital admissions were extracted from the hospital discharge records (HDRs) of the whole region, considering all admissions during the years of 2015-2021. The trends in hospital admissions and length of stay were evaluated and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 768 hospital discharges with a diagnosis of herpes zoster were registered in Abruzzo during the 7-year study period. During the study period, an increasing trend was observed from the year 2015 to the year 2017, ranging from 8.19 cases/100,000 to 11.5 cases/100,000 (APC (Annual percentage change) +20.8%; 95%CI -2.3; 47.6). After the year 2017, a significantly decreasing trend was observed, reaching 5.46 cases/100,000 in the year 2021 (APC -18.4%; 95%CI -31.5; -12.0). Across the entire study period, an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -7.0% (95%CI -13.0; -1.3) was observed. (4) Conclusions: Despite the trend of a reduction in hospitalizations, this study highlights that HZ continues to have a great impact on public health. So, it is important to update recommendations for the use of the already available HZ vaccine and to implement new strategies to increase awareness of the prevention of the disease.

An extract of phase II and III trials on recent developments in managing neuropathic pain syndromes: diabetic peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and postherpetic neuralgia

INTRODUCTION

Neuropathic pain (NP) conditions involve lesions to the somatosensory nervous system leading to chronic and debilitating pain. Many patients suffering from NP utilize pharmacological treatments with various drugs that seek to reduce pathologic neuronal states. However, many of these drugs show poor efficacy as well as cause significant adverse effects. Because of this, there is a major need for the development of safer and more efficacious drugs to treat NP.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we analyzed current treatments being developed for a variety of NP conditions. Specifically, we sought drugs in phase II/III clinical trials with indications for NP conditions. Various databases were searched including Google Scholar, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov.

EXPERT OPINION

All the mentioned targets for treatments of NP seem to be promising alternatives for existing treatments that often possess poor side effect profiles for patients. However, gene therapy potentially offers the unique ability to inject a plasmid containing growth factors leading to nerve growth and repair. Because of this, gene therapy appears to be the most intriguing new treatment for NP.

Effect of CT-Guided Repeated Pulsed Radiofrequency on Controlling Acute/Subacute Zoster-Associated Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Zoster-associated pain (ZAP) treatment and management is still inadequate. Repeated intervention protocol is often applied to manage ZAP. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the effect of repeated applications of pulsed radiofrequency therapy on controlling acute/subacute ZAP.

METHODS

From March 2019 to December 2021, 150 patients with acute/subacute ZAP who underwent repeated application of pulsed radiofrequency treatment (R-PRF) and pulsed radiofrequency combined paravertebral block interventions (PRF + PVB) in the Pain Department of the affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University were enrolled. Patients were grouped by intervention protocol and received at least 12 months of follow-up assessments using the Numerical Rating Scale score (NRSs), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Simple McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 score (SF-MPQ-2s), and follow-up interventions.

RESULTS

Both groups experienced a reduction in the incidence of clinically meaningful ZAP after the intervention therapy. In the R-PRF group, there were 36 cases of clinically meaningful ZAP within the first month post-treatment, while the PRF + PVB group had 38 cases. The incidence of clinically meaningful ZAP, as determined by multivariable generalized estimating equations, was 42.86% in the R-PRF group and 57.58% in the PRF + PVB group during the first month of follow-up. There was a significant difference in the incidence of clinically meaningful ZAP between the two groups after 1 month of treatment (adjusted odds ratio: 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.91; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Both R-PRF and PRF + PVB treatments effectively relieve pain in patients with acute/subacute ZAP. However, R-PRF may have superior efficacy compared to PRF + PVB in reducing the incidence of clinically meaningful ZAP 1 month after treatment.

[Electrical dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) for the treatment of refractory postherpetic neuralgia]

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a rare complication of herpes zoster characterized by prolonged and excruciating pain. Traditional treatments for PHN, such as analgesics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants, do not always bring the desired result. One promising alternative that is attracting the attention of the scientific community is dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS). This method focuses on targeted and precise targeting of the source of pain, providing a new level of effectiveness in the treatment of PHN.

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective analysis of the technique and results of implantation of a permanent device for stimulating the spinal ganglia in patients with refractory PHN at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in 7 patients (5 men, 2 women) with refractory PHN in the period from 2018 to 2020. The age of the patients ranged from 57 to 84 years (average age 74±8.4). All patients were implanted with Boston systems (Precision or Spectra versions). Stimulation parameters: pulse width - 120-210 μs, frequency - 30-130 Hz, amplitude at the lower limit of the appearance of paresthesia with the possibility of increasing with increased pain up to 5 mA. The position of the electrode depended on the location of the pain. All systems were implanted under X-ray guidance.

RESULTS

The duration of follow-up observation was more than 2.5 years. The average pain intensity one year after treatment was 3.42±2.45 points on the visual analogue scale (VAS) (a 62.3% decrease in intensity compared to baseline). In 3 (42.8%) patients, the result was characterized by us as «excellent» (intensity according to VAS decreased by 75% or more), in 1 (14.2%) - as «good» (intensity according to VAS decreased by 50-74%), in 1 (14.2%) - as «moderate» (VAS intensity decreased by 25-49% and in 2 (28.5%) as «unsatisfactory» (VAS intensity decreased by less than 25%, or postoperative complications occurred).

CONCLUSION

Given the complicated nature of PHN, the use of dorsal ganglion stimulation appears to be a promising and innovative treatment approach. Further research is needed to introduce this technique into clinical practice for the treatment of patients suffering from PHN.

Efficacy and effectiveness of Herpes zoster vaccination in adults with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies

AIM

The risk for Herpes zoster (HZ) and its complications is higher in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Our aim is to assess efficacy and effectiveness of the currently available live-attenuated zoster vaccine (LZV) and recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in adults with DM.

METHODS

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies comparing incidence of HZ and its complications in vaccinated and unvaccinated people with DM was performed, on PubMed, Cochrane, Clinical Trials.gov and Embase databases, up to January 15th, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO website (CRD42022370705).

RESULTS

Only three observational studies reported LZV efficacy and effectiveness in people with DM. A lower risk for HZ infection (MH-OH Ratio 95% CI = 0.52 [0.49, 0.56] was observed, for unadjusted analysis, and 0.51 [0.46, 0.56] for adjusted analysis, both with P < 0.00001 and no heterogeneity). No data on LZV safety were reported. A pooled analysis of two trials comparing RZV and placebo, showed a reduced risk for HZ incidence: (95% CI Odds Ratio: 0.09 [0.04-0.19]), with no difference in severe adverse events and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In our meta-analysis of three observational studies LZV showed a 48% effectiveness in reducing HZ incidence in adults with diabetes whereas in a pooled analysis of two RCTs, RZV showed a 91% efficacy. No data are available on the effects of vaccination on the incidence and severity of HZ-related complications among subjects with diabetes.

Safety of live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine in Australian adults 70-79 years of age: an observational study using active surveillance

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety of live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine live (ZVL) through cumulative analysis of near real-time, participant-based active surveillance from Australia's AusVaxSafety system.

DESIGN AND SETTING

ZVL was funded in Australia for adults aged 70 years from November 2016, with a time-limited catch up programme for those up to 79 years. This cohort study monitored safety in the first two programme years through active surveillance at 246 sentinel surveillance immunisation sites.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 70-79 years vaccinated with ZVL who responded to an opt-out survey sent via automated short message service (SMS) 3 days following vaccination (n=17 458) or contributed supplementary data through a separate, opt-in online survey at 16 and 24 days following vaccination (n=346).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Rates of overall and prespecified adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) by sex, concomitant vaccination and underlying medical condition. Signal detection methods (fast initial response cumulative summation and Bayesian updating analyses) were applied to reports of medical attendance.

RESULTS

The median age of participants was 72 years; 53% were female. The response rate following automated SMS was high (73% within 7 days of vaccination). Females were more likely than males to report any adverse event within 7 days of vaccination (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.31); injection site reaction was the most commonly reported (2.3%, n=377). Concomitant vaccination was not associated with higher adverse event rates (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.18). Rates of medical attendance were low (0.3%) with no safety signals identified. Supplementary opt-in survey data on later onset adverse events did not identify any difference in AEFI rates between those with and without underlying medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

ZVL has a very good safety profile in the first week after vaccination in older adults. Active, participant-based surveillance in this primary care cohort is an effective method to monitor vaccine safety among older adults and will be used as a key component of COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance in Australia.

Herpes zoster complicated by phrenic nerve palsy and respiratory compromise

Background

Herpes zoster can be associated with severe neurological complications.

Case presentation

In this article, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man with herpes zoster affecting his right upper chest and neck region complicated by phrenic nerve palsy and respiratory compromise. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was made based on the classic appearance of the rash and associated neuropathic-type pain. The diagnosis of phrenic nerve palsy was made by chest x-ray and ultrasound.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of phrenic nerve palsy occurring in patients who have herpes zoster affecting the region of C3,4,5 dermatomes. Although symptoms of unilateral diaphragmatic paresis are usually mild, in patients with obesity or comorbid lung disease, new onset phrenic nerve palsy can lead to significant respiratory compromise.

Varicella zoster virus vaccines: an update

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of varicella, a highly infectious, self-limiting disease with serious complications. The decline in cell-mediated immunity (CMI) that occurs with aging or immunodepression causes a reactivation of the latent VZV as herpes zoster (HZ). Prevention of VZV through varicella vaccination strategies allows to avoid the primary infection in newborns and susceptible subjects. Available monovalent and combined VZV vaccines are effective, safe and generally well tolerated. Universal varicella vaccination has significantly impacted on incidence, complications and deaths related to this disease. Prevention of HZ through vaccination is a priority to avoid the significant burden of its incidence and complications. Currently two HZ vaccines are available. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), approved by the FDA in 2017 and Zoster Vaccine Live (ZVL) licensed in the United States by the FDA in 2006. The advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) preferentially recommends RZV. ZVL remains an option for prevention of HZ in immunocompetent adults aged ≥60 years, although the CMI tends to wane a few years after vaccination.

Herpes zoster vaccination efficacy in the long-term care facility population: a qualitative systematic review

Background: The varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster infection (HZI), a severe disease resulting in painful complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine has been indicated for use among adults 50 years and older for prevention of HZI. Currently, no clinical practice guideline or funding exists specifically for HZ immunization in long-term care facilities (LTCF) for adults age >60 years. Objectives: This review summarizes the current literature available on the efficacy of HZ vaccine in adults over 60 years old residing in LTCF and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the HZ vaccine. Methods: We conducted a literature search in PsycInFO, Embase and MEDLINE databases, and a grey literature search. The search was limited to the last 5 years (January 2013-April 2018). Studies that assessed the efficacy of the HZ vaccine in individuals 60 years old or older and met inclusion criteria were included. Results: A total of 423 studies were found: 10 studies met inclusion criteria and were deemed relevant to the objectives. All reviewed studies highlighted the efficacy of the HZ vaccine for the LTCF population. Conclusions: The studies reviewed showed the efficacy of the HZ vaccine in relevant elderly populations residing either in LTCF or in the community including those of advanced age with multiple comorbidities. Consideration can be given to the use of the HZ vaccine for individuals over 60 in LTCF, as well as in the community.

Risk and impact of herpes zoster among COPD patients: a population-based study, 2009-2014

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of Herpes Zoster (HZ) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the impact of HZ on the underlying COPD.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of all subjects older than 49 years was followed up between 2009 and 2014 using population and health databases of Valencia Region (Spain). HZ and COPD were identified using ICD-9 codes, differentiating COPD patients with inhaled corticosteroids prescriptions (COPD-ICS). The incidence of HZ was compared among 3 groups [non-COPD, COPD and COPD-ICS populations] and use of healthcare resource due to HZ for 6 months following HZ diagnosis through different statistical generalized linear models (GLM). We also compared resources consumption due to COPD before and after HZ.

Results

The cohort consisted of 2,289,485 subjects, including 161,317 COPD patients of which 29,708 were COPD-ICS. HZ incidence rates were 11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.7–11.4) and 13 (95% CI: 12.3–13.8) cases/1000 persons-year for COPD and COPD-ICS populations respectively. Incidence increased with age in all groups. The risk of HZ rose by 45 and 61% among COPD and COPD-ICS patients respectively compared to non-COPD (95% credible intervals [CrI]: 1.41–1.5 and 1.52–1.71 respectively). COPD patients consumed more resources due to their HZ than non-COPD. There was no statistically significant impact of the HZ on the resources consumed due to COPD during the 6 months post-HZ compared to the 6 months pre-HZ.

Conclusions

The presence of COPD increases the risk, severity and impact of zoster episodes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3121-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Another Look at the "Dismal Science" and Jenner's Experiment

The follow-up to Jenner's experiment, routine vaccination, has reduced more disease and saved more vertebrate lives than any other iatrogenic procedure by orders of magnitude. The unassailability of that potentially provocative cliché has been ciphered in human medicine, even if it is more difficult in our profession. Most public relations headaches concerning vaccines are a failure to communicate, often resulting in overly great expectations. Even in the throes of a tight appointment schedule remembering and synopsizing (for clients), some details of the dismal science can make practice great again.