Management of Ramsay Hunt syndrome among HIV patients: Our experience in a tertiary care hospital of eastern India

IntroductionRamsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), also known as herpes zoster oticus as well as shingles of the geniculate ganglion, occurs due to reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) within the geniculate ganglion and associated sensory nerves. Immunocompromised individuals like those with HIV infections are prone to RHS. HIV infections with RHS are at increased risk for disseminated infections, postherpetic neuralgia, neurological complications and recurrence of infections. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of this type of neurodermatologic condition is very crucial to avoid permanent complications. HIV patients with RHS have a poor prognosis if not treated early and adequately.AimThe aim of this study was to manage RHS patients in HIV positive cases in a tertiary care hospital of eastern India.Material and methodsIn this prospective study, six patients of RHS with HIV infections were reviewed, who presented during the period between 2012 and 2015.Results and discussionOut of six patients, four were male and two were female. All were adult patients whose ages were ranging from 25 to 54 years. All patients underwent thorough clinical examination before coming to diagnosis. All of our cases were recovered by our treatment protocol except case 3, who is still on follow-up with facial exercises.ConclusionsAdequate awareness regarding early detection and management of RHS patients particularly among HIV positive cases is paramount among primary physicians.