New Page 1 Afro-Egypt J Infect Endem Dis 2016 December ; 6(4):175
Prednisolone can Prevent Post-Herpetic Neuralgia in Post-Kidney Transplant Recipient
Mohammad Ahmed Saraya1, Mariam Abdulrhman Al-Fadhli2,Jafar Abdulrida Qasem3 1Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. 2Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
3Department of Applied Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, (PAAET).
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ABSTRACT
Background and study aim: Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a neuropathic painful condition that is one of the most frequent complications of an acute herpes zoster infection. Till now, there is no general agreement on the definition of PHN. Some studies described a wide range of definitions, including any pain that comes after disappearing of the herpes zoster rash, whereas other studies applied the definition of pain that persist for more than one or two months after the onset of rash. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oral prednisolone with antiviral therapy on prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia in post-kidney transplant recipient.
Patients and methods: 40 patients were divided into two groups, the first one (group A) involved 20 patients who had renal transplant within the past five years and have received oral prednisolone (10 mg/day) and the second one (group B) involved also 20 patients but they are immune-competent without co-morbidity. Follow up was done at one, three and six months to assess the pain.
Results: At time of admission and discharge, there was significant difference between group A and group B as regard zoster pain. The same significance was observed between two groups during follow up after one and three months and not observed after six months.
Conclusion: Oral corticosteroid can promote modest benefits in decreasing the pain of herpes zoster and the incidence of PHN in post-kidney transplant recipient.