[Herpes zoster incidence in persons above 50 years of age].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Following the development of herpes zoster vaccines and the potential socio-economic benefits hereof, it is relevant to conduct a study concerning epidemiological aspects of the disease based on a Danish population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Structured telephone interviews with 1207 persons above 50 years of age were conducted in order to determine the cumulated incidence proportion of herpes zoster in the age groups 50-66 years, 66-70 years and 71+.

RESULTS:

The cumulated incidence proportion of herpes zoster was 8.9%, 12.5%, 16.0% in the age groups 50-65 years, 65-70 years and 71+, respectively. Herpes zoster was positively associated with female sex, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and prescription medicine; however, only the former remained significant after test in a multiple logistic regression model.

CONCLUSION:

Herpes zoster is common among persons who are more than 50 years old and most frequent among women.

• Authors: Keld Østergaard, Morten Damgaard, Thomas Birk Kristiansen, Thomas Birk Kristensen, Klaus Gregaard Madsen
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 171 Issue 26 Pg. 2194-7 (Jun 22 2009) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Incidens af herpes zoster hos personer over 50 år.
• PMID: 19671400 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Denmark (epidemiology)
• Drug Prescriptions
• Female
• Herpes Zoster (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (complications)
• Hypertension (complications)
• Incidence
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sex Factors
• Surveys and Questionnaires