Characteristics and outcome of varicella-zoster virus central nervous system infections in adults

We conducted an observational retrospective study of all adults hospitalized for documented varicella-zoster virus (VZV) meningitis or encephalitis during years 2000-2015 in one referral centre. Thirty-six patients (21 males, 15 females) were included, with meningitis (n = 21), or meningoencephalitis (n = 15). Median age was 51 years [interquartile range, 35-76], and 6 patients (17%) were immunocompromised. Aciclovir was started in 32 patients (89%), with a median dose of 11 mg/kg/8 h [10-15]. No patient died, but 12 (33%) had neurological sequelae at discharge. Age was the only variable associated with adverse outcome (OR 1.98 [1.17-3.35] per 10-year increment, P = 0.011).

Automated summary

This study investigated a total of 36 adult patients hospitalized for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) meningitis or encephalitis in one referral center from 2000 to 2015. Age was the only variable associated with adverse outcomes, with no patient deaths but 33% of patients experiencing neurological sequelae at discharge.