Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine Lowers Shingles Complication Risk in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ) due to innate immune abnormalities in patients with IBD and use of immunosuppressive therapy. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is recommended, but its efficacy in preventing recurrent HZ among patients with IBD is not well established.

Methods: Using data from the TriNetX Linked Network, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥18 years) with IBD and a prior uncomplicated HZ episode. Patients with IBD who received RZV were propensity score-matched 1:1 with those who did not. The primary outcome was subsequent HZ complications. Secondary outcomes included subtypes of HZ complications and recurrent uncomplicated HZ. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated via Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: After matching, 1,260 vaccinated and 1,260 unvaccinated patients with IBD were included. Compared to the unvaccinated cohort, patients receiving RZV had a significantly reduced incidence of HZ complications (7.4% vs. 14.5%; HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.97; p = 0.028). Postherpetic neuralgia was notably decreased (5.8% vs. 12.5%; HR, 0.66; p = 0.010), and no central nervous system involvement occurred among vaccinated patients. Protective effects were more pronounced in patients with ulcerative colitis, females, and those not receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions: RZV substantially lowers the risk of HZ complications in patients with IBD, offering significant clinical benefits to those at high risk due to immunosuppression. These findings underscore the importance of RZV as part of preventive care strategies in patients with IBD.

Keywords: Herpes Zoster Complications; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Propensity Score Matching; Recombinant Zoster Vaccine; Vaccination Efficacy.