UNASSIGNED: Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating condition that has garnered considerable attention from pain physicians due to its association with the or Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). In this study, we aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to quantitatively assess the research outcomes related to PHN and VZV over the past two decades (2003-2022).
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a bibliometric analysis by querying the Web of Science database for articles related to PHN published from 2003 to 2022. In this analysis, we collected relevant information from the database including the number of publications, publication year, source, country, institution, and citation data.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 1073 publications were extracted from the database, with 387 articles (36.1%) being authored by individuals from the United States, making it the leading country in terms of article publications. The top ten institutions that made significant contributions to research on PHN and VZV were primarily concentrated within the United States. Notably, the New England Journal of Medicine and Pain claimed the two highest positions in terms of citation count, with 2482 and 1591 citations, respectively. The topics covered in these articles mainly revolved around \"Postherpetic Neuralgia\", \"Herpes Zoster\", \"Epidemiology\", \"Vaccine\", and \"Quality-of-life\".
UNASSIGNED: Over the past two decades, there has been a gradual increase in publications on PHN and VZV, demonstrating significant advancements in academic achievements. Vaccines have proven effective in reducing PHN incidence among the elderly, but there is a lack of research on interventional treatments and underlying mechanisms. To elevate evidence-based medicine, researchers should conduct more controlled clinical trials. Additionally, leveraging pathogenesis research findings can lead to the development of better pain relief medications.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a rare presentation of herpes zoster in children; however, it may become chronic and debilitating. The pathophysiology of HZO complications is not completely understood and may include virus virulence, vascular and neural inflammation and immune reactivity. Therefore, clinical experts suggest an antiviral agent combined with topical steroids, but treatment duration and the need for secondary prophylaxis, given the likelihood of recurrence, are not clearly defined. We present a complex case of HZO in a varicella zoster virus (VZV)-vaccinated toddler successfully treated with acyclovir and topical steroids. We also present a review of the relevant literature regarding the therapeutic management and long-term sequelae of HZO in children.

Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. Its incidence is significantly higher in this population when compared to immunocompetent individuals. The authors present a case of an 88-year-old man with a history of arterial hypertension and myelodysplastic syndrome. The patient was evaluated in the emergency department (ED) for edema of the frontal facial region with left periorbital involvement and multiple purulent vesicles. He was diagnosed with viral infection by herpes zoster and was prescribed valaciclovir and deflazacort. He returned two days later due to an increase in the lesions affecting the left hemi-cranium, with decreased visual acuity and painless purulent drainage in the ipsilateral eye. The ophthalmological evaluation revealed exuberant edema with associated chemosis and involvement of the cornea of ​​the affected eye. He was hospitalized and began antiviral therapy with intravenous acyclovir and chloramphenicol with topical ganciclovir. There was a progressive resolution of the skin lesions but no reversal of the loss of vision in the affected eye. Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. The clinical presentation is often similar to that of the immunocompetent population; however, it can have exuberant manifestations. The authors emphasize the need for close clinical monitoring of the immunocompromised patient with herpes zoster infection and review the role of corticosteroids when treating this particular population.