Peptic ulcer as a risk factor for postherpetic neuralgia in adult patients with herpes zoster.

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of herpes zoster. Identifying predictors for postherpetic neuralgia may help physicians screen herpes zoster patients at risk of postherpetic neuralgia and undertake preventive strategies. Peptic ulcer has been linked to immunological dysfunctions and malnutrition, both of which are predictors of postherpetic neuralgia.

Increased incidence of herpes zoster in adult patients with peptic ulcer disease: a population-based cohort study.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has been linked to immunological dysfunctions and malnutrition—both are predictors of herpes zoster(HZ). We hypothesized that PUD patients might have a greater risk for developing HZ.

Methods: Using the longitudinal National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study to evaluate the incidence of HZ in adult PUD patients and controls matched by age and gender.