INFECTION WITH HERPES-ZOSTER VIRUS IN PAT IENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

The prevalence of infection with VZV in 145 patients with SLE was inve stigated, with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years; its relationship with di fferent variables, particularly with therapy of the underlying disease , was analyzed. Twenty episodes of VZV infection in 19 patients were d iagnosed (13.1%). In no case was the therapeutic regime changed nor wa s worsening of SLE observed. There was neither dissemination of herpes nor superinfection. An increase in the number of VZV infections was o bserved in patients with SLE under corticosteroid therapy (p=0.04) and particularly when drug administration was on a daily basis (p=0.00006 ). Cytotoxic agents also favored the infection (p=0.0014). VZV infecti on is of a benign nature in SLE and its emergence is favored by immuno suppressive agents. The risk is lower if corticosteroid administration is on alternate days. There is no need to decrease therapy for SLE.