Herpes zoster-associated severity and duration of pain, health-related quality of life, and healthcare utilization in Taiwan: a prospective observational study

Background To assess the severity and duration of herpes zoster (HZ)‐associated pain (ZAP) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and healthcare utilization (HCRU) from a patient perspective in routine care in Taiwan. Methods A prospective, observational, single‐cohort study was conducted in five centers across Taiwan. Patients were recruited at different time points during their HZ episode and were followed for ≤180 days. ZAP was assessed with the Initial Zoster Impact Questionnaire and the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory, QoL with the EQ‐5D, and HCRU with a simple questionnaire. Results A total of 150 patients were included with a mean age of 64.9 years and mean time since rash onset of 18.8 days. Prodromal pain was experienced by 64.7% of patients, of whom 91.8% reported moderate‐to‐severe pain. At enrollment, 98.0% of patients experienced ZAP. Mean ± SD worst pain score decreased from 5.95 ± 3.09 at enrollment to 2.65 ± 2.98 at 30 days and 0.28 ± 0.83 at 180 days. Postherpetic neuralgia was observed in 20.7% of patients. Mean ± SD EQ‐5D score significantly decreased (P