RESUMO
Several studies were done to investigate coagulation defects in patients with purpura fulminans secondary to varicella infection. However, very few studies were done to investigate such defects in patients with uncomplicated varicella. The aim of this study was to measure different coagulation parameters including free protein S, protein C, lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombin time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in patients with chickenpox during acute infection and one month later after cure. Levels of free protein S were found to be significantly lower during acute infection than levels done 1 month later [0.66 +/- 0.16 U/ml] versus [0.74 +/- 0.05 U/ml] respectively. Also, levels of protein C were significantly lower during acute infection [0.61 +/- 0.17 U/ml] than one month later [0.64 +/- 0.16 U/ml]. Antiphospholipid antibodies were increased to high levels during acute infection and returned to normal 1 month later and this change was significant. Lupus anticoagulant was detected during acute infection in some patients but failed to be detected later. Thrombin time showed significant prolongation during acute infection than 1 month later. Transient coagulation defects might occur in patients with acute varicella infection. However, these defects returned back to normal levels after cure