1. 2025;28;223-230Analysis of Factors Influencing Medical Treatment Outcomes in Herpes Zoster Patients
   Retrospective Study
   Wenqin Sun, MM, Zhejia Hu, MM, Lei Peng, BM, Huajing Guo, BM, Quan Zhou, MM, Daobo Pan, MM, Xuefeng Wu, BM, and Hao Wang, MD.

BACKGROUND: The routine treatment for herpes zoster (HZ) focuses on symptom control, including the use of antiviral medication, anticonvulsants, and painkillers. However, the analgesic properties of these medical treatments have been reported to be less than highly effective in some HZ patients. The factors influencing the efficacy of medical treatments for HZ patients are not yet fully understood, warranting further investigation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the factors influencing the efficacy of medical treatments in HZ patients and provide insights for clinical management of the condition.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study.

SETTING: This retrospective study included 76 individuals diagnosed with HZ who met specific inclusion criteria and were receiving treatments at Changde Hospital between February 2023 and December 2023.

METHODS: The patients were divided into 2 groups. Data on age, gender, family history, comorbidities, prior use of antiviral drugs, rash location, skin lesion severity, HZ stage, visual analog scale (VAS) scores at admission and discharge, and responses to questionnaires were collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The study revealed no significant differences in gender, family history, comorbidities, prior use of antiviral medication, rash location, or VAS scores between the 2  groups of patients. However, the results demonstrated a significant correlation between the analgesic effects of medical treatments and age, skin lesion severity, disease duration, and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels. Depression, anxiety, and sleep quality also influenced the treatment outcomes.

LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include the relatively small sample size and the lack of long-term follow-up data.

CONCLUSION: Age, skin lesion severity, disease duration, depression, sleep quality, and levels of anxiety and stress hormones are important factors influencing the efficacy of medical treatments for HZ patients.

KEY WORDS: Herpes zoster; postherpetic neuralgia; skin lesion; adrenocorticotropic hormone; cortisol