Abstract: FR-PO0247
Incidence of Herpes Zoster Among US Patients with CKD
Session Information
- CKD: Omics, Systemic Stressors, and Targeted Pharmacotherapy
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2201 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors
- Stempniewicz, Nikita, GSK, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Ye, William, Optum, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
- Hague, Sarah, Optum, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
- Steiger, Christina, Optum, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
- Koka, Priyanka, Optum, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
- Steffens, Andrea, Optum, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
- Carrico, Justin, GSK, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may increase the risk of herpes zoster (HZ), but recent United States incidence estimates among patients with CKD remain limited.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using claims and electronic health record data from Optum Market Clarity (2016-2024). Patients aged ≥50 years with CKD were identified using diagnosis and/or laboratory results and matched 1:1 to patients without CKD on age and sex. Patients with baseline HZ diagnosis or prior HZ vaccination were excluded. Follow-up began at a random index date after ≥12 months of continuous enrollment (baseline) and continued until incident HZ, HZ vaccination, disenrollment, death, or study end. HZ incidence rates (IRs) per 1,000 person-years (PY) were estimated. Among patients with incident HZ, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and HZ-related hospitalizations were identified during follow-up and described as percentages. Analyses were stratified by age and by CKD stage among those with CKD. Adjusted associations were estimated using multivariable regression models adjusting for baseline demographics, comorbidities, and immunosuppressive therapy.
Results
Overall, 1,649,755 matched pairs of patients with and without CKD were included (Table). HZ IRs were higher among patients with CKD than those without CKD (13.0 vs 10.5 per 1,000 PY; adjusted IR ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.09–1.13; P<0.001). Among patients with incident HZ, PHN occurred in 7.8% versus 6.8% (adjusted odds ratio 1.10; 95% CI 1.02–1.19; P=0.01), and HZ-related hospitalizations occurred in 10.8% versus 4.6% of patients with versus without CKD, respectively. HZ incidence and PHN occurrence increased numerically with advancing CKD stage.
Conclusion
Patients with CKD had a higher incidence of HZ and higher odds of PHN compared to a matched population without CKD, consistent with elevated risk of HZ and related complications.
Acknowledgment
Enovalife Medical Communication Service Center, on behalf of GSK (writer: Sarah Fico).
Funding
- Commercial Support – GSK (GSK study identifier: 223763)