Key clinical point: The incidence of herpes zoster in the United States is nearly twice as high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with those without RA, with the relative risk being higher among younger patients with RA than their older non-RA counterparts.
Major finding: The incidence of herpes zoster was significantly higher in patients with vs without RA (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.93; P < .001) and younger patients (<50 years) with RA vs older individuals ( ≥50 years) without RA (aIRR 1.34; P < .001).
Study details: This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study included patients with (n = 67,650) and without RA (n = 11,401,743) without a prior diagnosis or vaccination for herpes zoster.
Disclosures: This study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals SA. Seven authors declared being employees of or shareholders in the GSK group of companies or a company funded by GSK. Two authors declared receiving grant support from the GSK group of companies or being a member of the American College of Rheumatology Vaccine Guideline Committee.
Source: Singer D et al. Incidence of Herpes Zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States: A retrospective cohort study. J Rheumatol . 2023 (Feb 1). Doi: 10.3899/jrheum.220986