Shingles Risk Factors Identified

Women, whites, statin users, and individuals with certain autoimmune diseases, comorbidities, and recent physical trauma have an increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ), according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis.

Findings were presented at ID Week 2017, which took place October 4-8, 2017 in San Diego, California.
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Age and immunosuppression are known risk factors for HZ. However, little is known about other potential risk factors for HZ.

The researchers conducted a literature review of 3450 studies that had examined risk factors for HZ, and evaluated 84 studies in their systematic review and 62 studies in their meta-analysis. Patient data were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.

Risk ratios, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were summarized using a random-effects model.

Results indicated that women have a higher risk for HZ compared with men, and whites have a nearly doubled risk for HZ compared with blacks. Other factors associated with a higher risk for HZ included family history; autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous; and comorbidities, including asthma, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The researchers noted that statin use was modestly associated with the risk for HZ and that recent physical trauma was associated with a nearly doubled risk for the virus.

“In addition to age and immunocompromised conditions, our review shows that female sex, race/ethnicity, family history, and comorbidities are risk factors for HZ,” the researchers concluded. “Efforts are needed to better understand risk factors and to increase the uptake of zoster vaccination.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Kawai K, Yawn BP. Risk factors for herpes zoster: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ID Week 2017; October 4-8, 2017; San Diego, CA. https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2017/viewsessionpdf.cgi.