Clinical Analysis of Herpes Zoster After Renal Transplantation

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of herpes zoster after renal transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with herpes zoster after renal transplantation admitted to our department from June 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical diagnosis and treatment were summarized. Results The time of onset was 4 to 84 months after kidney transplantation and the median time was (45.2±30.6) months. Herpes zoster occurred within 36 months after kidney transplantation in 22 cases (75.86%). There were 23 cases of common clinical type, 6 cases of special type and 4 cases of herpes zoster complicated with local bacterial infections. Antiviral treatment with ganciclovir in combination with external use of calamine lotion was given in all patients. The dosage of immunosuppressants was reduced in 20 cases at the same time, and antibiotics were applied to control the complicated infections in 4 cases. Postherpetic neuralgia occurred in 3 cases. All the patients were cured and there was no recurrence during the follow-up period of 6 months. Conclusions Opportunistic infection may occur in patients with herpes zoster after renal transplantation due to over immunosuppressive drug therapy. Rational adjustment of the immunosuppressant and use of intravenous ganciclovir therapy are effective in the treatment of herpes zoster after renal transplantation.