Clinical and economic burden of herpes zoster in Mexico: A retrospective medical chart analysis in a private healthcare setting

Herpes zoster (HZ) is characterized by a unilateral, painful rash, which in most cases requires medical attention and pharmacological treatment. Several complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), may increase the burden of illness and healthcare costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and direct and indirect costs incurred by patients with HZ from a private sector perspective in Mexico. We carried out a retrospective, medical chart review at five private clinics in Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, Durango City, León Guanajuato). Healthcare data from patients having an episode of HZ between 2018-2022 were extracted and HCRU and health outcomes were captured over a 6-month period following HZ diagnosis. Outcomes and costs were analyzed by PHN status, age category and comorbidity. Overall, 228 patients with HZ were identified; 59% of patients were women and 67% of patients had at least one comorbidity. Seventy-six (33%) patients developed PHN in the overall population, while among people with comorbidities, 39% developed PHN. Eight (4%) patients were hospitalized. Median direct costs per HZ episode were higher in patients with vs without PHN (United States dollars $836 vs $535) and tended to increase with increasing age. Our results show that HZ imposes a significant burden on patients and the private healthcare system, especially on people developing PHN. PHN and increasing age were the principal cost drivers in this study.