Complicated varicella zoster infection in 8 paediatric patients and review of literature
Phuah, H.K.; Chong, C.Y.; Lim, K.W.; Cheng, H.K.
Singapore Medical Journal 39(3): 115-120
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-5675 PMID: 9632970 Document Number: 489911
Background: This is a study of complicated varicella zoster infection in paediatric patients. Aim: To find out the number of patients with such complications, the types of complications and their outcome. Method: This involved a retrospective review of the case records of 8 patients who presented to our unit over a 12-month period (Jan - Dec 96). All patients were previously well without any underlying immunodeficiency. Varicella zoster (VZ) infection was confirmed by VZ immunofluorescence from vesicular fluid. Results. CMS complications accounted for 6 of the 8 cases. Of these, 3 presented with encephalitis, 2 with cerebella ataxia and I with aseptic meningitis and cerebella ataxia. Of the non-CNS cases, I presented with glomerulonephritis with superimposed staphylococcus infection of skin ulcers; the other had disseminated VZ infection with haemorrhagic vesicles, hepatitis, ileus with mesenteric adenitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Outcome. The patient with disseminated VZ infection and multiple organ involvement died 5 days after a stormy course. One patient with encephalitis who had status epilepticus for 2 hours had behavioural problems and poor memory' The remaining 6 patients had no sequelae. Conclusion: VZ infection usually a minor illness, can result in serious life-threatening complications in previously healthy patients.