Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: The authors performed a bicentric, prospective, randomized, double-masked study of 86 patients with acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus, within 72 hours of skin eruption, who received oral acyclovir (800 mg 5 times daily), either for 7 days (plus 7 days oral placebo) or for 14 days. All patients concomitantly received ophthalmic 3% acyclovir ointment; follow-up was at least 6 months. RESULTS: Statistical analyses of subjective symptoms, skin lesions, and ocular complications showed no significant differences between the groups, suggesting that a 7-day course of treatment was sufficient. Drug tolerance was good. Pooled data from both groups corroborated earlier reports that prompt treatment with oral acyclovir reduces the severity of the skin eruption, the incidence and severity of late ocular manifestations, and the intensity of postherpetic neuralgia. At 6 months, late ocular inflammatory complications were seen in 29.1% of our 86 patients, versus 50% to 71% of untreated patients described by others. Only 13% of our patients experienced post-herpetic neuralgia, which in no case required the use of analgesics. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | T Hoang-Xuan, E R Büchi, C P Herbort, J Denis, P Frot, S Thénault, Y Pouliquen |
Journal | Ophthalmology
(Ophthalmology)
Vol. 99
Issue 7
Pg. 1062-70; discussion 1070-1
(Jul 1992)
ISSN: 0161-6420 [Print] United States |
PMID | 1495785
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Acyclovir
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Administration, Oral
- Aged
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Tolerance
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Longitudinal Studies
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Placebos
- Prospective Studies
- Uveitis, Anterior
(drug therapy)
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