Herpes Zoster Burden in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Bernhard Ultsch, Anette Siedler, Thorsten Rieck, Thomas Reinhold, Gérard Krause, Ole Wichmann
Primary Institution: Robert Koch Institute
Hypothesis
What is the annual burden of herpes zoster disease in people aged 50 and older in Germany?
Conclusion
Herpes zoster poses a significant burden on the healthcare system in Germany, particularly among older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified an annual average of 306,511 HZ outpatients aged 50+.
- HZ incidence increased with age, from 6.21 in people 50-54 years to 13.19 per 1,000 PY in people aged ≥ 90 years.
- Females had a higher incidence of HZ compared to males, with 11.12 vs. 7.8 per 1,000 PY.
Takeaway
Herpes zoster is a painful skin condition that affects many older people in Germany, and it can lead to serious complications.
Methodology
The study utilized outpatient and inpatient data from the ASHIP and FHM databases to estimate the incidence and burden of herpes zoster.
Potential Biases
Potential overestimation of incidence due to classification issues in the data.
Limitations
The study lacked comprehensive data on postherpetic neuralgia and relied on estimates from published literature.
Participant Demographics
Individuals aged 50 years and older, with a higher incidence in females.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI for incidence rates provided in the results.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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