Herpes zoster infections in systemic lupus erythematosus: risk factors and outcome.

Herpes zoster infections occur at increased frequency among patients with SLE compared to the general population, and carry significant morbidity. Patients who have had severe manifestations of lupus are at greatest risk of zoster, though not necessarily at the time of disease flare or immunosuppressive therapy. If disease activity allows, a reduction in prednisone dosage may reduce the risk of bacterial superinfection during zoster episodes.