Prospective observational study on scar sequelae after MPOX infection: an analysis of 40 patients
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Monkeypox (MPOX) caused a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) outbreak between 2022 and 2023, with a recent rise in cases that prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a PHEIC once again. There is little information on its long-term scarring sequelae. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the risk and characteristics of scarring in patients with MPOX in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study including patients diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Clinical data were collected and followed up at 12-15 months to assess scarring and its impact on quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 19 (47.5%) developed scars, which were more common in those with initial cutaneous manifestations. Scars significantly affected the quality of life, especially in the genital and mucosal areas. The limited sample and loss to follow-up may affect the validity of the results. CONCLUSION: Scarring is a frequent and disfiguring sequela of MPOX, particularly in patients with early skin symptoms. Prevention and close follow-up are crucial in mitigating these complications.
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17500
Authors: Andrés Grau‐Echevarría, Carolina Labrandero‐Hoyos, Rodrigo Peñuelas‐Leal, Malena Finello, Daniel Blaya‐Imbernón, Jorge Magdaleno‐Tapial, Ángel González García, Elena Pérez Zafrilla, José Ángel García‐García, Laura Giménez Cuenca, Alba Nácher Albiach, José Aguilera Arjona, María Dolores Ocete‐Mochón, Esther Díez‐Recio, Pablo Hernández‐Bel
Language: English
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4403063250