Health resource use and epidemiologic profile of herpes zoster outpatients aged 50 years or older: a modified Delphi consensus panel in Brazil

Herpes Zoster (HZ) and its complications, such as Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), are associated with significant burden in elderly. In Brazil, data on economic and epidemiologic HZ burden is still limited. We conducted a Delphi panel to assess healthcare resource use in HZ outpatients aged 50-years and older. Diagnosis and treatment resources, proportion of referral and hospitalization were estimated considering HZ, PHN, ophthalmic and neurologic zoster typical cases. A diverse group of 20 medical specialists was selected, and responded anonymously to an online questionnaire. Consensus was met if ≥ 75 % agreement was reached in the 1st round, and if not met, a 2nd round was held. Summary statistics are reported stratified by age-groups and healthcare system (public and private). Responses were obtained from 19 and 17 panel members in the 1st and 2nd rounds, respectively. The proportion HZ outpatients with PHN increased significantly with age (4 % in 50‒59; 14 % in ≥ 80 years). Ophtalmic and neurological complications ranged from 5 %‒13 % across age groups. Absenteeism was high, ranging from 30 %‒68 % of patients depending on the clinical presentation. HZ patients required 2‒3 medical visits, and referral to another medical specialty varied from 10 %‒22 % across age ranges, doubling for NPH patients. Proportion of hospitalization varied from 1–8 %. HZ diagnosis was mainly clinical (93 %). Acyclovir (95 %) and valaciclovir (80 %) were the therapy of choice in the public and private systems, respectively. Pain management included dipyrone and codeine (63 %), pregabalin (58 %), and gabapentin (Neurontin) (48 %). Our results report significant healthcare resource utilization by elderly HZ patients in Brazil.