Temporal trends in herpes zoster-related hospitalizations in Madrid (Spain), 2003-2013

- Trends in herpes zoster-related hospitalization rates were analyzed.
- The incidence of hospitalizations increased significantly over a 11 years period.
- The rise affected women from age 85 and men of 45-64 years and from age 75.
- An increase in the proportion of complicated herpes zoster was detected.

SummaryObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate herpes zoster (HZ) related hospitalization rates in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain), considering both total and complicated cases, and to analyze their temporal trends by sex and age.MethodsPopulation based cross-sectional study of all hospital admissions with an HZ diagnosis in any position from 2003 to 2013. Annual crude, age-adjusted and age-specific hospitalization rates were calculated by sex and year. Joinpoint Regression models were used to analyze time trends.ResultsThe incidence of hospitalizations with HZ increased significantly during the study period from 10.81 to 16.97 per 100,000 person-year, with an average annual rise of 2.80%. The rate of hospitalization of complicated HZ increased from 4.67 to 8.99 per 100,000 person-year. No 'breakthrough points' of the time trends were detected. The proportion of complicated HZ was similar in both sexes, and increased from 43.2% to 53.0%. By age and sex significant increases affecting women from age 85 and men from age 75 and in the group of 45-64 years were observed.ConclusionsHospitalizations related to HZ are increasing, with a significant rise of complicated cases. Long term and more detailed studies are required to monitor HZ.