The incidence of herpes zoster after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Objective To analyze the incidence of herpes zoster(HZ) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and its effect on 1-year survival.Methods The medical records of 96 patients undergoing HSCT in Department of Hematology of Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command during January 2003 and December 2010 were reviewed. Results HZ was identified in 7 of the 96 patients within 1 year after transplantation with a cumulative incidence of 7.3%.The median time to onset after HSCT was 70(range 50-290) days and the median duration of HZ was 10(range 7-180) days.The severity of graft versus host disease(GVHD),intensified treatment of GVHD and regular prevention with acyclovir were associated with the incidence of HZ.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that HZ had no effect on the 1-year survival of patients(P = 0.87).Conclusions Post-HSCT HZ is a common complication.Severe GVHD,intensified treatment of GVHD and no regular prevention with acyclovir are associated with higher incidence of HZ,but 1-year survival of the patients is not affected by HZ.