• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.85-88
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• 2005

Encephalitis is known as a rare complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. It is usually regarded as a complication of a cutaneous infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity. The reported incidence of herpetic motor involvement range between 0.5 and 31%, but is possibly more frequent as the weakness is readily obscured by pain. A 53-years-old woman, who presented with severe shoulder pain, fever, headache and seizure, which developed the day after skin eruptions, also developed motor paresis 7 days after the seizure. Her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was VZV-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative, but VZV specific IgG antibody positive, and her brain MRI was found to be normal. With the early diagnosis and proper treatment, such as intravenous administration of acyclovir, stellate ganglion block and Yamamoto New Scalp Stimulation (YNSS), the patient completely recovered, without psychoneurological sequelae. Herein, we present this case, with a discussion of the relevant literature on the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of central nervous system VZV involvement.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.180-187
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• 2016

Purpose: This study described the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and secondary varicella infection in children inadvertently exposed to varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the hospital. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with VZV infection who were initially not properly isolated, as well as children exposed to VZV at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. The PEP measures were determined by the presence of immunity to VZV and immunocompromising conditions. Patient clinical information was reviewed via medical records. Results: Among 147 children hospitalized between 2010 and 2015, 13 inadvertent exposures were notified due to VZV infection. Five index children had a history of VZV vaccination. Eighty-six children were exposed in multi-occupancy rooms and 62.8% (54/86) were immune to VZV. The PEP measures administered to 27 exposed patients included varicella zoster immunoglobulin and VZV vaccination. Four children developed secondary varicella, which was linked to a single index patient, including one child who did not receive PEP and three of the 27 children who received PEP. The rates of secondary varicella and prophylaxis failure were 4.7% (4/85) and 11.1% (3/27), respectively. The secondary varicella rates were 1.9% (1/54) and 9.7% (3/31) among immunocompetent and immunocompromised children, respectively. Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of VZV infection can lead to unexpected exposure and place susceptible children and immunocompromised patients at risk for developing varicella. The appropriateness of the current PEP strategy based on VZV immunity may require re-evaluation.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.148-151
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• 1999

This report is a case of 62-year-old man with anterior chest pain and pin pricking pain with allodynia affecting left T5 sensory dermatome for 3 months without history of vesicular skin eruption. He had a history of diabetes mellitus for 10 years and insulin therapy for recent 1 year. EKG, chest PA and rib series were normal. Serologic evaluation of IgG antibody to varicella-zoster virus was positive and was diagnosed as post herpetic neuralgia after zoster sine herpete. He was treated with left T5 nerve root block followed by thoracic epidural blockade and intercostal nerve block for 2 weeks. His VAS score decreased from 10 to 2 after 2 weeks of treatment. After 3 months, he revisited our clinic complaining right side chest pain followed by vesicular skin eruption 8 days after the onset of pain. He was treated as herpes zoster and tolerates well after 4 months.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.803-805
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• 2009

Purpose: Many conditions can mimic the presentation of burns. Herpes zoster is one of them. The characteristic features of herpes zoster such as vesicles, pustular lesions and crusts can also be found in burns. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a disease caused by recurrent infection of varicella - zoster virus in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. This virus frequently affects nasociliary branch and serious ocular complications can occur. Thus, early diagnosis and proper treatment of this disease is important to prevent further ocular manifestations. We report a man who sustained minor facial burn injury that was complicated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Methods: A 66 - year - old man visited emergency room with multiple whitish vesicles with serous discharge on right forehead, right medial canthal area and nose. At first he was thought to have a secondary infection of facial burn injury. The vesicles on his face began to form crusts on the next day. Since his skin lesion was located on the ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve, we also suspected herpes zoster ophthalmicus. He was referred to dermatologist and ophthalmologist. Results: We used antiviral agent (Acyclovir) and NSAIDs for treatment. The patient had no ocular complications. His skin lesion was almost healed after 1 month and remained scars. We treated a patient with minor facial burn complicated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus with antiviral agent. Conclusion: In this work, we describe a case of old patient with herpetic infection and emphasize the need for careful examination to diagnose accurately.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2015

Purpose: Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) is available in Korea for post-exposure prophylaxis of the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in high-risk patients. In July 2013, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) recommended extending the time for administration of VariZIG$^{(R)}$ from within 96 hours up to 10 days after VZV exposure. This study was performed to analyze the effectiveness of VZIG prophylaxis between the two groups of patients who received VZIG within 96 hours and more than 96 hours of exposure to varicella. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in pediatric patients who received VZIG at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea from January 2001 to December 2012. Results: A total of 91 patients were identified. Fifty-seven patients were male (62.6%) and the median age was 5.91 years. Thirty-nine patients (42.9%) were exposed to VZV in the hospital. Underlying diseases were solid tumors (41.8%), hematologic malignancies (40.7%), and others (17.5%). Forty-five patients (49.5%) were hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Seventy-four patients (81.3%) received VZIG within 96 hours after VZV exposure. There was no significant difference in the development of chickenpox between the two groups (2.7% vs. 5.9%, P=0.4664). In 22 seronegative patients, we also observed no significant difference between the groups in terms of the development of chickenpox (6.6% vs. 0%, P=0.667). Conclusions: This study showed that the effectiveness of VZIG for the prevention of chickenpox was comparable between patients who received VZIG within 96 hours and those who received VZIG more than 96 hours after exposure to VZV.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 2005

Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute infection of the unilateral sensory dermatome caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and is characterized by vesicular eruption and unilateral pain along the involved dermatome. Although the pathogenesis of HZ is incompletely understood, it is thought that when cell-mediated immunity falls below a critical level, dormant VZV within cells of the sensory ganglia are allowed to replicate and infect the host with the resultant clinical presentation of HZ. It has been associated with immunosuppressed states, such as advanced age, leukemia, lymphoma, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. We present a case of a 62-year-old female patient with malignant lymphoma suffering herpes zoster ophthalmicus who did not respond to conventional treatment, and in whom the application of various nerve blocks and patient-controlled analgesia produced moderate pain relief. The patient died twenty days later due to cardiopulmonary failure.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2012

Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, an infection most commonly affecting the thoracolumbar trunk. Herpes Zoster Infection (HZI) may affect the cranial nerves, most frequently the trigeminal. HZI of the trigeminal nerve distribution network manifests as multiple, painful vesicular eruptions of the skin and mucosa which are innervated by the infected nerves. Oral vesicles usually appear after the skin manifestations. The vesicles rupture and coalesce, leaving mucosal erosions without subsequent scarring in most cases. The worst complication of HZI is post-herpetic neuralgia; other complications include facial scarring, motor nerve palsy and optic neuropathy. Osteonecrosis with spontaneous exfoliation of the teeth is an uncommon complication associated with HZI of the trigeminal nerve. We report several cases of osteomyelitis appearing on the mandible, caused by HZI, and triggering osteonecrosis or spontaneous tooth exfoliation.

• Infection and chemotherapy
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2018

Background: Zoster vaccination is recommended for people with a history of herpes zoster (HZ), but the most effective timing of vaccine administration after zoster illness is unresolved. This prospective observational study compared the immunogenicity and safety of administering HZ vaccine at 6-12 months and 1-5 years after zoster illness. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected before the administration of live zoster vaccine and 6 weeks after vaccination. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG concentrations and T-cell responses were assessed by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and interferon-${\gamma}$ enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT), respectively. Results: The baseline geometric mean value (GMV) of VZV IgG was higher in the 6-12 months group than in the 1-5 years group (245.5 IU/mL vs. 125.9 IU/mL; P = 0.021). However, the GMV increased significantly in both groups (P = 0.002 in the 6-12 months group; P <0.001 in the 1-5 years group). The results of the ELISPOT assay were not significant for differences of the GMV between baseline and 6-week post-vaccination groups, while the GMV increased significantly in both groups (P = 0.001 in the 6-12 months group; P <0.001 in the 1-5 years group). Conclusion: The immunogenicity of zoster vaccine may be similar whether administered 6-12 months, or >1 year after zoster illness. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02704572

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2002

Purpose : To determine wether varicella can be prevented by administration of oral acyclovir(ACV) during the incubation period of the disease. Methods : Starting 9 days after exposure to the index case in their families, ACV(40 mg/kg/day in four divided doses) was given orally to 20 exposed children for 5 days. Their clinical features was compared with those of 20 control subjects. Antibody titers to VZV were measured in both group 1 week and 4 weeks after finishing the oral ACV administration. Results : The mean age of family members with varicella(51.4 months) were significantly high compared to that of ACV prophylaxis group(28.5 months) and control group(31 months) (P<0.05). Among the 12 children with ACV prophylaxis who completed follow up blood sampling, nine children were diagnosed as VZV infection on the serologic test(75%). Among them six children showed positive VZV IgM on the first blood sample and two children showed serocoversion to positive IgM on the second test after ACV prophylaxis. One child who was negative on both IgM and IgG, showed positive IgG on the second test. The incidence of fever and severity of skin rashes were significantly low in children received oral ACV than in the control group. No or reduced number of maculopapular eruption were observed in the oral ACV group compared to multiple vesicles of the control group. Conclusion : In the present study, we observed that oral ACV prophylaxis to the family contacts is effective in reducing severity of skin lesion. It is likely that oral ACV 9 days after contact prevents or reduces blood dissemination of VZV. Little is known about clinical effect and immunity to the virus in exposed children with no varicella symptom after treatment. We propose the checking up antibody to VZV some period after oral ACV, and considering vaccination to whom with no antibody. But further more studies are needed to practical application of oral ACV for the postexposure prophylaxis of varicella.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2007

Purpose : Herpes zoster is a common dermatologic disorder and is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus lying dormant in the ganglion of the dorsal root Methods : The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical characteristics of herpes zoster and it's nature of pain, and is to review the method of physical therapy for pain control. Results : Herpes zoster is characterized by segmental rash, pain, and sensory symptoms, For most patients skin healing and pain resolution occur within 3-4 weeks, However, pain can continue after the rash has healed. Pain and paresthesia often the eruption of herpes zoster and vary from itching to stabbing. The preeruptive pain may simulate other diseases and may lead to misdiagnosis and misdirected interventions. Motor symptomatology is less well known and is most often related to central nervous system disease, although true lower motor neuron application is also thought to exist Subclinical motor involvement is relatively more common than clinical motor weakness and is easily detected by using electromyography. Higher incidences of herpes zoster were observed in female and in the elderly. Conclusion : The nature of pain associated with herpes zoster varied from a superficial itching to server stabbing or bursting, and paresthesia occurred most frequently. Therefore, the study of herpes zoster will be more research and comprehend, and the approach of physical therapy should be need positively.