Impacto clínico y epidemiológico de las infecciones por varicela en niños previo a la introducción de la vacuna al Calendario Nacional de Argentina / Clinical and epidemiological impact of varicella infection in children prior to the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule of Argentina

Introducción. En Argentina, se estiman 400 000 casos anuales de varicela. Dado el subregistro de casos existentes, la carga de enfermedad real se desconoce. Objetivo. Evaluar la carga de enfermedad por varicela antes de la introducción de la vacuna al Calendario Nacional. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, analítico, observacional, realizado en tres centros asistenciales del país. Revisión de los registros de consultas ambulatorias a los Servicios de Urgencias y de las historias clínicas de las internaciones por varicela en pacientes < 18 años. Período: 1/2011-12/2013. Resultados. Fueron asistidas un total de 382782 consultas ambulatorias; 3367 (0,88 %) correspondieron a consultas por varicela; el 57,6 %, < 4 años. Requirieron internación 164 (4,9 %) con una tasa de hospitalización global de 65,3/10000 hospitalizados/año (IC 95 %: 55,4-76,5); tasa de hospitalización en niños sanos: 57,2/10 000 (IC 95 %: 67,7-48,0); mediana de edad: 31,5 meses. Las causas de internación más frecuentes fueron infecciones de piel y/o partes blandas (61,1 %) y respiratorias (10,1 %). El 54,3 % recibió tratamiento con aciclovir, y el 73,1 %, con antibióticos. Presentaron bacteriemia 5/67 (7,5 %), todas por cocos Gram(+) y en inmunocompetentes. De los 19 pacientes inmunocomprometidos, el 36,8 % tuvo complicaciones (5 infecciones de piel y/o partes blandas y 2 neumonías). La mediana de días de internación fue 4, significativamente más prolongada en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Un paciente requirió cuidados intensivos. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusión. La carga de enfermedad registrada fue significativa, con impacto considerable en pacientes sin patología de base.

Introduction. In Argentina, an estimated 400 000 varicella cases occur annually. Given the under-recording of existing cases, the actual burden of disease is unknown. Objective. To assess the burden of varicella before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule. Materials and methods. Retrospective, analytical, observational study carried out in three hospitals of Argentina. Review of medical records from outpatient visits to the Emergency Department and from patients younger than 18 years hospitalized for varicella. Period: 1/2011-12/2013. Results. A total of 382 782 outpatients were seen; 3367(0.88%) corresponded to visits due to varicella; 57.6 % were < 4 years old. A total of 164 (4.9 %) patients required hospitalization, with an overall hospitalization rate of 65.3/10 000 hospitalized patients/year (95 % confidence interval -#91;CI-#93;: 55.4-76.5); hospitalization rate in healthy children: 57.2/10 000 (95 % CI: 67.7-48.0); median age: 31.5 months. The most common causes of hospitalization were skin and/or soft tissue infections (61.1 %) and respiratory infections (10.1 %). Also, 54.3 % were treated with acyclovir and 73.1 %, with antibiotics. Bacteremia developed in 5/67 patients (7.5 %), all cases were caused by Gram-positive cocci and occurred in immunocompetent patients. Out of 19 immunocompromised patients, 36.8 % had complications (5 skin and/or soft tissue infection and 2 pneumonia cases). The median length of stay was 4 days, which is significantly more prolonged in immunocompromised patients. One patient required intensive care. No patient died. Conclusion. The burden of disease was significant, with a considerable impact in patients without an underlying disease.

¿Es efectivo el aciclovir en el tratamiento de la varicela en niños y adolescentes? / Is acyclovir effective for the treatment of varicella in children and adolescents?

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La varicela es una enfermedad infecciosa frecuente y altamente contagiosa, producida por el virus Varicella Zoster. Tradicionalmente se ha recomendado tratarla en forma sintomática, ya que existe controversia en relación a la utilidad del tratamiento antiviral, en especial en niños y adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos tres revisiones sistemáticas, que en conjunto incluyen tres estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que el uso de aciclovir podría no disminuir las complicaciones asociadas, y no está claro si disminuye las lesiones o el prurito porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Varicella (chickenpox) is a frequent and highly contagious infectious disease, caused by the Varicella zoster virus. Traditionally, it has been recommended to focus on the management of symptoms, since there is controversy about the role of antivirals, particularly in children and adolescents. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified three systematic reviews including three studies overall, all of them corresponding to randomized trials. We concluded the use of acyclovir might not decrease the associated complications, and it is not clear whether it reduces lesions or itching because the certainty of the evidence is very low.

Cutaneous leukemic infiltration following varicella - a case of Wolf's isotopic response

Abstract Wolf's isotopic response designates the appearance of two subsequent unrelated dermatoses in the same anatomic location. We report the case of a 51-year-old man with a medical history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia without known extra-hematopoietic involvement. The patient developed a disseminated papulo-vesiculous eruption, diagnosed as varicella. Few days after recovering, an erythematous and violaceous papular dermatosis with histopathological examination compatible with leukemic infiltration appeared on the scars of previous herpetic lesions. Complete remission was obtained under systemic corticotherapy, without cutaneous recurrence or blastic transformation. Wolf's isotopic response is attributed to a localized immunologic imbalance following a certain stimulus. In this patient, herpetic infection acted as a local spur for inaugural cutaneous leukemic infiltration, with no impact on the prognosis for the underlying disease.

Congenital varicella syndrome/ vericella zoster virus (VZV) fetopathy.

An 18 hour old female newborn born to a 3rd gravida HIV-ve mother, presented with a large erythematous patch of skin on right forehead and hazy right eye since birth.There was history of chicken pox in mother during fourteenth week of pregnancy.

experience of oral acyclovir in treating children with varicella infection

To study the morbidity and complications of varicella infection in patients treated with acyclovir. It is a descriptive observational study conducted at Paediatric out patient department of Civil Hospital Karachi during September 1997 to March 1998. Alt children between the ages of 2-15 years presenting with clinical features of varicella but healthy otherwise and of average weight, and presenting within 72 hours of the onset of rash were treated with oral acyclovir in a dose of 80 mg/ kg/ day for five days. At the end of five days the patients were evaluated for the duration of illness, severity of rash and itch and development of complications. The patients were also assessed for the side effects of the drug. Cost of the treatment was also calculated. A total of 31 children, 15 mate and 16 females were studied. After the treatment the fever remained for 1- 8 days [mean 3.12 days]. Eighteen [58%] patients had a moderate rash. Six [19.3%] had a severe rash while in seven [22%] the rash was of mild nature. Twenty [64.5%] of the patients had a moderate itch while five patients each [16.1%] had mild and severe itch. New rash continued to appear for three to nine days [mean 3.3 days]. Complications were noted in three [6.9%] patients' only and included otitis media, pneumonia and secondary bacterial infection of vesicular lesions in one patient each. None of the patients developed any side effects to the drug. The average cost of treatment was Rs.3269/=. Use of oral acyclovir in varicella infection [chicken pox] seems to limit new rash formation and total duration of illness to an average of

Necrosis retinal aguda en un paciente pediátrico con leucemia aguda / Acute retinal necrosis in an acute leukemia pediatric patient

La necrosis retinal aguda (NRA) es una afección grave que amenaza la visión. Se describe en adultos, en especial aquellos profundamente inmunocompro-metidos, como consecuencia de la reactivación de virus del grupo herpes. Presentamos un paciente de 4 años de edad, con una leucemia de alto riesgo, que durante una quimioterapia intensa desarrolló una varicela con compromiso visceral, incluyendo la retina, lo que le causó ceguera unilateral. En el humor vitreo se detectó ADN de virus varicela-zoster, pese al tratamiento con aciclovir. La visión del ojo contralateral permaneció indemne.

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a serious condition that can impair vision. It mostly occurs in adult patients, especially those severely immunocompromised, in association with a reactivation of a herpes virus infection. We present a 4 years old patient with high risk acute leukemia, whom during a course of intense chemotherapy acquired chickenpox with visceral involvement that affected the retina, causing unilateral blindness. Varicella-zoster virus was detected by PCR in the vitreous humor, in spite of previous acyclovir treatment. The contralateral vision remained undamaged.

Lesiones de varicela en cavidad bucal: reporte de un caso / Chicken pox lesions in oral cavity: report of a case

La Varicela es una enfermedad viral que se presenta con frecuencia en la población infantil, cursa con lesiones cutáneas y en ciertas ocasiones en cavidad bucal. Se presenta un caso de paciente masculino de 5 años de edad, quien consulta por presentar lesiones en cavidad bucal, ademàs de las lesiones cutáneas. Fue tratado con antivirales tópico y sistémico, notándose mejoría de las lesiones en dos semanas.

The Chicken pox is a viral infection that is presented frequently in the infantile population, it presented with skin lesions and, in certain occasions, in oral cavity. A 5 years old male patient, who consult for present vesicles in oral cavity and skin lesions, it was treated with topical and systemic antiviral, being noticed improvement of the lesions in two weeks.

Varicella pneumonia in immunocompetent adults: report of two cases, with emphasis on high-resolution computed tomography findings

We report two cases of varicella pneumonia in immunocompetent patients, with emphasis on high-resolution computer tomography manifestations. The predominant findings consisted of multiple bilateral nodules, ranging from 1-10 mm in diameter, with or without a surrounding halo of ground-glass attenuation. Other findings include ground-glass opacities, focal areas of consolidation and small pleural effusions.

Economic burden of varicella in Singapore--a cost benefit estimate of implementation of a routine varicella vaccination.

Varicella is a common childhood illness that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. As early as 1995, recommendations for routine varicella vaccination have been published, but have not been universally implemented, with cost of vaccination as a major reason. Though available from 1996, the vaccine has yet to be routinely implemented in Singapore. We set out to assess the economic burden of varicella and the cost-benefit of adding a varicella vaccine to the existing immunization schedule in Singapore. In this study, using data from 1994--1995 the direct cost estimates were based on all levels of medical care; inpatient care, emergency room visits, primary health care and medication. Indirect costs were estimated from the cost of time lost by patients and their families attending to medical needs, as well as loss of productivity due to absenteeism. The cost of a vaccination program targeted at 15-month old infants receiving concomitant measles-mumps-rubella immunization was also assessed. The cost-benefit ratio was then estimated. The total cost of varicella in Singapore was estimated to be US$11.8 million per annum. The loss of productivity accounted for a large proportion of the total cost as a lot of parents took leave when their children were ill. The estimates of total cost represent approximately US$188 per varicella case per year. In comparison, the cost of a vaccination program was found to be US$3.3 million per annum. The cost per case averted was US$104. From a societal point of view, for every dollar invested in a vaccination program, we would save about US$2 dollars.

Infecciones por virus varicela zoster en menores de 15 años con cáncer / Infections caused by Varicella Zoster virus in children with cancer aged less than 15 years old

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by Varicella Zoster virus in children with cancer have a high rate of complications and mortality. AIM: To report the outcome of this infection in children with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 216 children aged less than 15 years old with the diagnosis of an hematological or solid tumor, admitted to the National Program of Antineoplastic Drugs (PINDA). RESULTS: Eighty seven children had a Varicella Zoster virus infections, 73 (84 per cent) had varicella, 8 (9 per cent) had herpes zoster and 6 (7 per cent) had varicella and herpes zoster. Ninety four percent acquired the infection during antineoplastic treatment and 78 per cent received Acyclovir as antiviral therapy. During a nosocomial outbreak of varicella, three patients with an Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia died in the initial phase of chemotherapy, in spite of an early administration of Acyclovir. No patient with herpes zoster died. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of varicella was higher in children with leukemia or lymphoma than in children with other types of cancer. Virus reactivation was uncommon and had a benign course. Varicella mortality in these children could be favorably modified through an active immunization of immunocompetent children.

Anti-herpes viruses agents.

Antiviral agents with demonstrated efficacy are currently available for the management of infections in children caused by the herpes viruses including herpes simples type 1 (HSV1) and type 2 (HSV2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Recently, progress has been made in the development of newer agents with enhanced activity against these viruses including resistant strains. This review focuses on the activity, clinical pharmacology, and clinical indications of antiviral agents used in the treatment of infections caused by the different herpes viruses in children.

Varicela hemorrágica en un adulto inmunocompetente / Hemorraghic chickenpox in an immunocompetent adult

Se presenta el caso de un paciente retirado de 65 años, originario de Escuintla, que consultó con historia de tres días de erupción generalizada caracterizada por múltiples vesículas con erosiones. El paciente estaba estuporoso pero otros hallazgos fueron negativos. Una tinción de Tzanck de una de las lesiones demostró células gigantes multinucleadas y la biopsia de piel reveló vesículas intraepidérmicas con células gigantes multinucleadas e inclusiones eosinofílicas intranucleares en las células epidérmicas. Anticuerpos contra VIH fueron negativos. El paciente fue tratado con aciclovir, 250 mg. i.v. cada cuatro horas por cinco días, con mejoría rápida. Aunque la varicela tiende a ser más severa en adultos, la presencia de enfermedad hemorrágica en un adulto inmunocompetente es de notar, como lo fue la mejoría rápida observada con aciclovir endovenoso

Varicela y embarazo / Varicella in pregnancy

La varicela es una enfermedad DNA viral ocurre generalmente en el período de la niñez y la adolescencia, por lo tanto es un cuadro exantemático poco frecuente durante el embarazo aproximadamente 1-5/10.000. La presencia de sus complicaciones puede marcar notoriamente el pronóstico materno y fetal, sin embargo la mayoría presenta una evolución favorable. Se presenta la experiencia de 9 pacientes embarazadas que desarrollaron varicela en diferentes etapas de la gestación. No hubo complicaciones sistémicas maternas ni fetales

Síndrome pulmonar por varicela zoster / Syndrome of respiratory distress by Zoster chickenpox

El síndrome de distrés respiratorio del adulto por Varicela Zoster es una entidad de presentación infrecuente, con alta morbimortalidad en pacientes inmunocomprometidos y embarazadas. Para establecer el diagnóstico se requiere de un cuadro clínico y radiológico compatible, asociado a un foco de contagio y serología positiva. Caso clínico: Mujer de 30 años que ingresa a la unidad de terapia intensiva por dificultad respiratoria y erupción cutánea pápulo-vesículo-costrosa de 72 horas de evolución. Refería amenorrea de 4 semanas, por lo que se solicitó una ecografía obstétrica que confirmó la presencia de un embarazo de igual término. Exámen físico: febril, taquipneica, taquicárdica y con rales crepitantes en la mitad inferior del tórax. Laboratorio: VES acelerada, aumento de GOT, GTP y LDH, EAB: PH 7,47, PO 54, PCO 32, EB + 2,3, CO H 24, sat. Hb. 91 por ciento (FIO2 0,50), A-a 0 262, PAFI 108. Se solicitaron hemocultivos, urocultivos y ELISA para VVZ. Se trató con acyclovir 10 mg/kg cada 8 horas durante 15 días y ceftriaxona 2 gr/día por 10 días, mejorando su estado clínico. Al quinto día pudo ser desvinculada del respirador. El resultado del ELISA para VVZ fue reactivo. En el momento de ésta comunicación se encuentra en buen estado de salud cursando un embarazo normal. Comentarios: El síndrome de distrés respiratorio por varicela es una complicación grave de la enfermedad, por lo que es necesario adoptar medidas terapeúticas rápidas y agresivas ante su sospecha. Los diagnósticos diferenciales deben plantearse con todas las causas de neumopatía aguda extrahospitalaria y de SDRA

Síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda em um recém-nascido com varicela perinatal congênita / Acute respiratory distress syndrome in a newborn with congenital chickenpox

Um recém-nascido com varicela perinatal congênita, complicada por pneumonia e pulmpo de choque, foi admitido em nosso hospital com 14 dias de vida em insuficiência respiratória grave. O recém-nascido näo recebeu imunoglobulina específica para o vírus varicela-zoster. A mäe apresentou exantema característico de varicela três dias antes do parto. Com nove dias de vida o recém-nascido iniciou a sintomatologia com vesículas, evoluindo com aumento progressivo das lesöes de pele, febre, dificuldade para sugar e respirar e cianose progressiva. O raio X de tórax inicialmente revelava infiltrado pulmonar reticular difuso, progredindo rapidamente para imagem de reduçäo acentuada da transparência pulmonar, bilateralmente, com broncogramas aéreos difusos, compatível com pulmpo de choque. Foi iniciada ventilaçäo assistida convencional, associada a quimioterapia antiviral com aciclovir. Concomitante ao quadro pulmonar apresentou hepatite, meningoencefalite e CIVD. Permaneceu em ventilaçäo pulmonar mecânica por nove dias. Recebeu alta hospitalar após 21 dias de internaçäo, com idade de um mês e cinco dias de vida, sem doenta pulmonar crônica, sem dependência de oxigênio. Atualmente com dois anos de idade, sem seqnela pulmonar e/ou neurológica.