Later onset of herpes zoster-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

HIV Med. 2009 Aug;10(7):454-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2009.00700.x. Epub 2009 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with herpes zoster occurs on a different time frame from other instances of IRIS.

Methods: Statistical analysis of onset times of herpes zoster-associated IRIS and other cases of IRIS was carried out in a retrospective cohort starting antiretroviral therapy at advanced stages of HIV infection.

Results: Herpes zoster-associated IRIS was significantly more frequent after the first 3 months of successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), than other instances of IRIS (IRIS associated with tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, Kaposi's sarcoma, etc.) which mainly occurred during the first 3 months of treatment.

Conclusions: The characteristic onset time pattern of herpes zoster-associated IRIS, coincident with the second phase of immune recovery under HAART, suggests that the immune recovery events underlying herpes zoster-associated IRIS are different from those underlying other types of IRIS. Our findings may be useful in improving the follow-up of individuals who start HAART at an advanced stage of HIV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Herpes Zoster / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / immunology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents