Clinical Features and Outcomes of VZV CNS Infections

NCT07554261 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: GOKAEK-2026/06/41 2026/190
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of varicella zoster virus (VZV)-related central nervous system (CNS) infections in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the risk factors associated with VZV meningitis and encephalitis? Which clinical and laboratory findings are associated with complications and poor functional outcomes? Researchers will collect retrospective data from participating centers across the country, including demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and treatment variables. Participants diagnosed with VZV-related central nervous system infections will be followed through medical records, and outcomes such as complications, functional status, and mortality will be evaluated.

Conditions

Varicella Zoster; Varicella Meningitis; Varicella Encephalitis; Varicella Neurological

Keywords

Varicella Zoster Virus Infection; Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Occurrence of Complications

  Presence of complications in patients with varicella zoster virus (VZV)-related central nervous system infections, including neurological sequelae such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, cranial nerve deficits, functional disability, or death.

  Up to 12 months after diagnosis

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Functional Outcome (Modified Rankin Scale)

  Up to 12 months after diagnosis

• Neurological Sequelae

  Up to 12 months after diagnosis

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Requirement

  Up to 1 month after diagnosis

• Mortality

  Up to 1 month after diagnosis

Study Arms (2)

Patients with Complications

Adult patients diagnosed with varicella zoster virus (VZV)-related central nervous system infections who developed complications during follow-up. Complications include neurological sequelae such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, cranial nerve deficits, functional disability, or mortality.

Patients without Complications

Adult patients diagnosed with varicella zoster virus (VZV)-related central nervous system infections who did not develop complications during the follow-up period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with varicella zoster virus (VZV)-related central nervous system infections, including meningitis and encephalitis, identified from participating centers. Patients are included based on molecular confirmation of VZV in cerebrospinal fluid and availability of clinical follow-up data.

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥18 years Molecular confirmation of VZV (PCR-Polymerase Chain Reaction) in CSF fluid Diagnosis of meningitis or encephalitis

You may not qualify if:

• Missing key clinical data Inadequate follow-up

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kocaeli University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kocaeli University

İzmit, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Tyrberg T, Hagberg L, Nilsson S, Grahn A. Incidence and Risk Factors for Varicella-Zoster Virus-Associated Central Nervous System Infections: A Nationwide Swedish Retrospective Case-Control Study. J Med Virol. 2025 Feb;97(2):e70166. doi: 10.1002/jmv.70166.

  PMID: 39865326 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster; Varicella Zoster Virus Infection

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Encephalitis, Viral; Central Nervous System Viral Diseases; Central Nervous System Infections; Infections; Infectious Encephalitis; Virus Diseases; Herpesviridae Infections; DNA Virus Infections; Encephalitis; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neuroinflammatory Diseases

Study Officials

• Özlem Güler, MD

  Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor M.D.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 17, 2026
• First Posted: April 28, 2026
• Study Start: April 17, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 7, 2026
• Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)