Abstract: Objective: To determine the risk factors of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: The data of the patients with herpes zoster (HZ) was collected from the database of our hospital from September 2017 to February 2019. The patients were divided into observation group and control group (with or without PHN after 1 month of the onset of HZ). The data of the patients was analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The data of 513 HZ patients was analyzed, of whom 111 patients suffered from PHN (21.6%). Single factor in univariate analysis showed age, smoking, site of the lesion, range involved clinical classification, prodrome, early treatment after onset, glucocorticoid use and diabetes mellitus were associated with PHN. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥60 years old, smoking, anxiety state, early use of antiviral therapy after onset of the disease (within 7 days), pain during the acute stage of herpes zoster and diabetes were statistically significant associated with PHN (OR=6.013, 3.391, 6.800, 22.071, 21.996, 3.163, 95% CI: 1.694-21.341, 1.219-9.436, 1.310-35.296, 4.049-120.314, 2.864-168.946, 1.281-7.811; P＜0.05) . Conclusion: Age ≥60, smoking history, anxiety status, early using antiviral therapy after onset of the disease pain during the acute stage, diabetes are the risk factors associated with PHN. 

Key words: herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia, risk factors