Cobertura y barreras de la vacunación contra la varicela en niños que consultaron a la Fundación Salud Bosque / Coverage of and Barriers to Varicella Vaccination in Children at Fundación Salud Bosque / Cobertura e barreiras à vacinação contra varicela em crianças que consultaram a Fundação Salud Bosque

Introducción. Desde la introducción de la vacuna contra la varicela a Colombia no se ha logrado una cobertura mayor al 90%. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las barreras de vacunación contra varicela en niños. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo realizado en la Fundación Salud Bosque; se estudiaron 27 pacientes, 18 hombres (67%) y 9 mujeres (33%), incluyendo menores de 18 años con varicela, y excluyendo pacientes con enfermedades ampollosas distintas a varicela y quemaduras. Se hizo una caracterización demográfica. Para las variables cuantitativas se emplearon promedios y desviación estándar, y para las cualitativas la razón de proporción con Stata V12®. Resultados. La incidencia de varicela fue del 0.2%, solo 9 pacientes (33%) habían recibido la primera dosis de la vacuna, ninguno la segunda dosis. El 92.5% requirió incapacidad; el 89% analgésicos; el 63% antihistamínicos y el 26% antibióticos. Discusión. El estudio realizado demuestra una incidencia significativamente menor en contraste con otras cohortes internacionales. En Colombia no se ha alcanzado la cobertura de la vacunación contra la varicela lograda en Uruguay, Costa Rica, Estados Unidos, Australia, Europa y Taiwán dadas las mismas barreras en su aplicación, mientras que en África no se ha introducido la vacuna contra la varicela porque existen otras prioridades como la desnutrición, la malaria y la infección por Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana. Conclusiones. La cobertura de la vacunación no se ha logrado por barreras modificables que incrementan la incidencia y carga de la enfermedad por costos debido a incapacidad, manejo farmacológico y ausentismo escolar. Palabras clave: Cobertura de Vacunación; Incidencia; Niño; Vacuna contra la Varicela; Varicela.

Introduction. Ever since the introduction of the varicella vaccine in Colombia, coverage has not surpassed 90%. The objective of this work is to identify the barriers to varicella vaccination in children. Methodology. A descriptive study conducted at Fundación Salud Bosque. 27 patients were studied - 18 males (67%) and 9 females (33%) - including children under 18 years of age with varicella, and excluding patients with blistering diseases other than varicella and burns. A demographic characterization was conducted. Averages and standard deviations were used for quantitative variables, and the proportion ratio was used for qualitative variables with Stata V12®. Results. The incidence of varicella was 0.2%. Only 9 patients (33%) had received the first dose of the vaccine, and none had received the second dose. 92.5% required sick leave, 89% required painkillers, 63% required antihistamines, and 26% required antibiotics. Discussion. The conducted study shows a significantly lower incidence compared to other international cohorts. Colombia has not achieved the varicella vaccination coverage of Uruguay, Costa Rica, the United States, Australia, Europe and Taiwan due to the barriers to applying it. Meanwhile, the varicella vaccine has not been introduced in Africa because there are other priorities, such as malnutrition, malaria and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. Conclusions. Vaccination coverage has not been achieved because of modifiable barriers that increase the incidence and burden of the disease due to costs of sick leave, pharmacological treatment and school absenteeism. Keywords: Vaccination Coverage; Incidence; Child; Chickenpox Vaccine; Chikenpox.

Introdução. Desde a introdução da vacina contra varicela na Colômbia, não foi alcançada uma cobertura superior a 90%. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as barreiras à vacinação contra varicela em crianças. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo realizado na Fundação Salud Bosque. Foram estudados 27 pacientes, 18 homens (67%) e 9 mulheres (33%), incluindo crianças menores de 18 anos com varicela e excluindo pacientes com outras doenças bolhosas que não varicela e queimaduras. Foi feita uma caracterização demográfica. Média e desvio padrão foram utilizados para as variáveis quantitativas e, para variáveis qualitativas, a razão de proporção com Stata V12®. Resultados. A incidência de varicela foi de 0.2%, apenas 9 pacientes (33%) receberam a primeira dose da vacina, nenhum a segunda dose. 92,5% requeriam atestado; 89% analgésicos; 63% anti-histamínicos e 26% antibióticos. Discussão. O estudo realizado mostra uma incidência significativamente menor em comparação com outras coortes internacionais. A Colômbia não tem atingido a cobertura vacinal contra a varicela alcançada no Uruguai, Costa Rica, Estados Unidos, Austrália, Europa e Taiwan, dadas as mesmas barreiras em sua aplicação, enquanto na África a vacina contra a varicela não foi introduzida porque existem outras prioridades como a desnutrição, a malária e a infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana. Conclusões. A cobertura vacinal não foi alcançada dadas as barreiras modificáveis que aumentam a incidência e carga da doença devido aos custos por atestados, manejo farmacológico e absenteísmo escolar. Palavras-chave: Cobertura Vacinal; Incidência; Criança; Vacina contra Varicela; Varicela

Effectiveness and associated factors of varicella vaccination on school outbreaks / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccine in varicella outbreaks and to analyze the influencing factors, and to provide a reference for making the targeted prevention and controlling measures.@*Methods@#A total of 3 888 students with no history of varicella were selected from 2 schools with varicella outbreak in Guangdong Province in 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted by using questionnaire survey, rate ratio ( RR ) and vaccine effectiveness ( VE ) values were calculated and Logistic regression was uses to analyze the factors influencing the protective effect of varicella.@*Results@#There were 138 confirmed cases of varicella among the participants. There was no significant sex difference in the vaccination rate( χ 2=1.36, P =0.51), but there was significant difference in the vaccinattion rate of different age groups( χ 2=555.82, P <0.01). The overall protective effect of VarV was 66.94%(95% CI =56.17%-77.71%), and the protective effect of 2 doses of vaccine( VE = 90.02% , 95% CI =83.13%-96.90%) was higher than that of 1 dose( VE =49.40%, 95% CI =32.36%-66.44%)( χ 2=24.93, P < 0.01 ). The high fever rates in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were 7.69% and 25.81%, with significant difference( χ 2= 6.29 , P <0.05). The rates of moderate and severe skin lesions of vaccinated and unvaccinated groups was 20.00% and 50.00%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant( χ 2=11.32, P <0.01). The protective effects of varicella vaccine against high fever and moderate to severe rash were 70.19%(95% CI =42.11%-98.27%) and 60.00%(95% CI =38.15%-81.85%). Stratified analysis showed that there were significant differences in different years of vaccination( χ 2=37.87, P <0.05), while there were no significant differences in age of vaccination and vaccine manufacturer ( P >0.05).@*Conclusion@#Varicella vaccination can prevent chickenpox infection and reduce the severity of the disease. However, the efficacy of varicella vaccine was affected by vaccination years. It is recommended to improve the vaccination coverage of varicella vaccine to prevent the outbreak of the epidemic.

Epidemiological evaluation for vaccine effectiveness of varicella attenuated live vaccine among students in collective institutions in Jing an District, Shanghai from 2017 to 2019 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the vaccination of varicella attenuated live vaccine (VarV) among students in collective institutions, to provide a basis for analying the protective effect of vaccination.@*Methods@#All collective institutions with chickenpox epidemic and post exposure vaccination in Jing an District from 2017 to 2019 were investigated. All students( n =6 473) in the affected class were included. Vaccination status and the incidence information of disease were collected to analyze vaccine effectiveness (VE).@*Results@#The proportion of study subjects without an immunization history decreased year by year, and 7.5% in 2017, 7.2 % in 2018, and 4.9% in 2019. The proportion with a history of one dose prior to exposure in cases was 90.0%, it was lower than 93.5% in the non cases ( χ 2=6.53, P <0.05). The proportion with one dose as post exposure prophylaxis in cases was 8.3%, it was much lower than 44.1% in the non cases ( χ 2=179.06, P <0.01). The proportion with one dose as post exposure prophylaxis in secondary cases was 28.6%, much lower than 44.1% in the non cases ( χ 2=9.44, P <0.01).Unvaccinated ones and the second dose as post exposure prophylaxis ones in cases had the highest rate of varicella development (11.0%), a history of one dose prior to exposure and one dose as post exposure prophylaxis in cases had the lowest varicella rate (1.0%).There was a clear protective effect within two years after one dose of VarV inoculation, VE was 63.1%(95% CI =11.0%-84.7%).@*Conclusion@#The vaccine effectiveness of one dose VarV was limited. Post exposure prophylaxis as early as possible was highly effective in decreasing secondary attack rate.

Current situation and influencing factors of varicella vaccination among left-behind children aged 4-8 years old in Quzhou / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand vaccination coverage and the influencing factors of varicella vaccine (VarV) among left-behind children in Quzhou, which based on protective motivation theory(PMT), so as to provide reference to consolidate VarV vaccination in the next step.@*Methods@#From September to December in 2022, simple random sampling was used to select 628 left-behind children in six counties of Quzhou City. A questionnaire survey on their caregivers was conducted to collect data relating to sociological characteristics and PMT factors, and the influencing factors of VarV were tested by Logistic regression.@*Results@#A total of 628 left-behind children participated in the study. The VarV rate was 69.59%, and 74.83% had received a second dose of VarV. The unvaccinated rate was 30.41%, and caregivers willingness to vaccinate children with VarV was only 10.99%. Logistic regression analysis showed that family relationships, annual household income, number of children in the family, extrinsic rewards and self-efficacy were the influencing factors of VarV among left-behind children ( OR =0.43-3.40， P <0.05). The external reward factor was positively correlated with the vaccination probability ( OR =1.14), and the self-efficacy factor was negatively correlated with the vaccination probability ( OR =0.95).@*Conclusion@#In the context of health education and school promotion, attention should be paid to factors relating to extrinsic rewards and self-efficacy as a means of increasing motivation to seek vaccine protection and improve the use of VarV.

Situação vacinatória da tríplice e da tetra viral em crianças matriculadas na Educação Infantil / The vaccination situation of triple and tetra viral in children enrolled in Early Childhood Education

Objetivo Descrever a situação vacinal de crianças matriculadas nos Centros Municipais de Educação Infantil da Zona Sul do município de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte com relação às vacinas de tríplice e tetra viral. Método Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado a partir da análise de cartões de vacina de crianças matriculadas em 15 instituições, nas quais foi possível reunir 773 cartões que foram analisados a partir do calendário básico de vacinação do ano 2015. Os cartões foram classificados em: esquema vacinal completo, incompleto e/ou não vacinado. Resultados Observou-se que 576 (75,51%) crianças estavam com o esquema vacinal completo, sendo o esquema considerado finalizado com a segunda dose da tríplice ou com a tetra viral. A melhor situação vacinal foi atingida nas crianças de dois a quatro anos, com uma cobertura de 84,31%, sendo que 83,3% das crianças dessa faixa etária estavam com o esquema completo e 12,79% das crianças estavam com o esquema vacinal incompleto. Um total de 67 crianças (8,66%) não apresentaram registros de vacina. Com relação à tetra viral, 226 crianças (29,73%) apresentaram esquema vacinal completo. Conclusão Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo revelam uma situação vacinal abaixo da meta estabelecida pelo Programa Nacional de Imunização.

Objective To describe a vaccination situation of children up to 8 years old from the Municipal Centers of Early Childhood Education in the South Zone of the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte for vaccines of triple and tetra viral. Method This is an epidemiological, descriptive and retrospective study, carried out based on the analysis of vaccination cards for children from 15 institutions, where it was possible to gather 773 cards, a course based on the basic calendar of the year 2015. They were classified in: complete, incomplete and/or unvaccinated vaccination schedule. Results It is observed that 576 (75.51%) of the children have a complete vaccination schedule, the schedule being completed with a second dose of triple or tetra viral. The best vaccination status was achieved in children aged 2 to 4 years with a coverage of 84.31% and 83.3% children with the complete regimen. We have 12.79% of children with an incomplete vaccination schedule. A total of 67 children (8.66%) who did not have any vaccine records. Regarding Tetra Viral, 226 children (29.73%) had a complete vaccination schedule. Conclusion The results obtained in this study reveal a vaccination situation below the target established by the National Immunization Program.

Correlación entre casos de varicela y búsquedas en Google en Perú

Resumen Con el objetivo de determinar la correlación entre los casos de varicela notificados en Perú y las búsquedas sobre varicela realizadas en Google a nivel nacional y por regiones se realizaron análisis de correlación de Spearman para las semanas epidemiológicas del 2016 al 2019, así como antes y después de la introducción de la vacuna para varicela en el Perú. A nivel nacional, se encontró una alta correlación antes del inicio de la vacunación (Rho 0,778, p = 0,001) y moderada durante el periodo de vacunación (Rho 0,441, p = 0,001). Algunas regiones tuvieron una correlación baja o muy baja y dejaron de ser estadísticamente significativas luego de la introducción de la vacuna en el Perú. Además, el cambio en la estacionalidad de la varicela durante el periodo de vacunación también tuvo un impacto en las búsquedas que realiza la población en Google.

Abstract In order to determine if there is a correlation between chickenpox cases reported in Peru and the chickenpox searches carried out on Google at national level and by regions, Spearman's correlation analyzes were carried out for the epidemiological weeks from 2016 to 2019, as well as before and after the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in Peru. At the national level, a high correlation was found before the start of vaccination (Rho 0.778, p = 0.001) and moderate during the vaccination period (Rho 0.441, p = 0.001), some regions had a low or very low correlation and stopped to be statistically significant after the introduction of the vaccine in Peru. In addition, the change in the seasonality of chickenpox during the vaccination period also had an impact on the searches carried out by the population on Google.

Varicella incidence and vaccination of children in kindergarten and primary school of Longhua District in Shenzhen / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the situation of varicella prevalence and vaccination of susceptible population in Longhua District，and to provide reference for the varicella immunization program.@*Methods@#A total of 23 706 children from 30 childcare facilities and primary schools in 6 streets were randomly selected throughout the Longhua District. Date on age, grade, recent year and dosage of vaccination, varicella incidence, the overview of vaccination were collected and analyzed.@*Results@#The rate of vaccination in childcare facilities and primary schools was 86.01%, including 55.61% of 1 dose and 30.41% of 2 doses of vaccine. The differences of rate vaccination rate between the childcare facilities and primary schools had statistical significance(χ2=154.95, P<0.05).Rate of no-vaccination,1 dose vaccination and 2 doses vaccination across 6 streets differed significantly(χ2=146.09, 103.93, 127.31, 146.09, P<0.05). There was an increasing positive association between grades and attack rate(χ2=8.65，P<0.05). The differences of attack rate between the childcare facilities and primary schools was of statistical significance(χ2=478.69, P<0.05). The differences of attack rate in street of no vaccination,1 dose vaccination and total attack rate showed statistical significance(χ2=54.49, 74.59, 151.49，P<0.05). There was an increasing linear trend of attack rate of primary school childrenby each year(χ2=24.28，P<0.05). The attack rate increased with time after 1 dose vaccination, immune protection was obtuined for a longer period time after additional doses of vaccine.Negative association was found between grades and protective efficacy rate of varicella. The protective rate and efficacy index of different doses of vaccine in different grades were correlated(r=0.80，0.63，P<0.05). It was most effective after 1 dose vaccination among children in junior grade in kindergarten and 2 dose vaccination in senior grade.@*Conclusion@#After the implementation of vaccination program in Longhua District, the vaccination rate of 2 doses significantly increased, but not for a long time. Varicella vaccine should be included in immunization programme to protect vulnerable populations.

Number of cases of varicella and hospitalization in a pediatric reference hospital in brazil after introducing the vaccine / Avaliação do número de casos e do perfil de internações por varicela em hospital pediátrico após a introdução da vacina

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the number of cases and the profile of hospitalizations from varicella after the introduction of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella combination vaccine in the public health system. Methods: Retrospective study in an infectious diseases pediatric hospital of reference in Southeast Brazil. The cases with a clinical diagnosis of varicella, from January 2011 to June 2016, were assessed from pediatricians' medical records. The hospitalizations were classified into a pre-vaccine group and post-vaccine group, based on the date the vaccine was introduced (September 2013). Both groups were compared by age, sex, time of hospitalization, reason for hospitalization, hospital complications, duration of intensive care, and clinical outcome. Results: A total of 830 hospitalizations were recorded; 543 in the pre-vaccine period and 287 in the post-vaccine period, a reduction of 47.1% (p<0.001). In both periods, a similar profile in the hospitalizations was noticed: majority male; aged between one to five years old; most complications due to secondary causes (mainly skin infections); main outcome was clinical improvement and discharge from the hospital. In the pre-vaccine period, six deaths were recorded and two were recorded in the post-vaccine period. Conclusions: The profile of the hospitalizations was expected to stay the same since this study did not compare vaccinated with unvaccinated children, but hospitalizations before and after the vaccine was introduced. In accordance with the medical literature, we found a significant fall in the number of hospitalizations from varicella.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o número de casos e o perfil das internações por varicela após a introdução da vacina quádrupla viral na rede pública. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo conduzido em hospital pediátrico referência em doenças infectocontagiosas na Região Sudeste do Brasil. Foram avaliados os casos com diagnóstico clínico de varicela, registrados em prontuário por médico pediatra, de janeiro de 2011 até junho de 2016. As internações foram classificadas em grupo pré-vacinal e grupo pós-vacinal, com base na data de introdução da vacina (setembro de 2013). Os grupos foram comparados em relação a: faixa etária, sexo, tempo de hospitalização, causas da internação, complicações hospitalares, tempo da internação em terapia intensiva e desfecho clínico. Resultados: Foram documentadas 830 internações, 543 no período pré-vacinal e 287 no pós-vacinal, ocorrendo redução de 47,1% nas internações (p<0,001). Em ambos os períodos, notou-se um perfil similar das internações, predominantemente: sexo masculino; faixa etária de um a cinco anos; por causas secundárias (principalmente infecções de pele); evoluindo com melhora clínica e alta hospitalar. Em relação ao número de óbitos, ocorreram seis no período pré-vacinal e dois no pós-vacinal. Conclusões: A manutenção do perfil das internações era esperada, visto que o trabalho não comparou crianças vacinadas com não vacinadas, e sim internações pré e pós-vacinais. Observou-se, em concordância com a literatura, queda substancial no número de internações por varicela.

Incorporación de segunda dosis de la vacuna de la varicela al Calendario Nacional de Vacunación de Argentina / Incorporation of the second dose of the varicella vaccine to the national vaccination schedule of Argentina

A partir de 2022, a la dosis de vacuna contra la varicela contemplada a los 15 meses de edad en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación de Argentina, se suma una segunda dosis al ingreso escolar. En este artículo se repasan los aspectos clave para la implementación de esta práctica de inmunización universal, gratuita y obligatoria. (AU)

Starting in 2022, a second dose of the varicella vaccine will be added to the 15-month-old dose included in Argentina's National Vaccination Schedule at school entry. This article reviews the key aspects for the implementation of this universal, free and mandatory immunization practice. (AU)

Incidence of varicella in children in Jeju-do, Korea, 2005–2016: age-period-cohort analysis / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Although the nationwide inoculation rate of varicella vaccine was approximately 95% in Korean children recently, the number of notified varicella cases is unexpectedly continuously increasing till now. To suggest some hypotheses regarding this discrepancy, an age-period-cohort (APC) analysis as a descriptive epidemiology study was conducted for children residing in Jeju-do, Korea. METHODS: The raw data were obtained from the nationwide database for insurance claim of healthcare fee provided by the National Health Insurance Service, Korea. The selection criteria were children aged 2–13 years who visited any healthcare center due to varicella from 2005 to 2016 while residing in Jeju-do. After calculating the birth cohort-specific crude incidence rates by age and year, the intrinsic estimator method was used to perform the APC analysis. RESULTS: As the annual crude incidence rates decreased with increasing age between 2005 and 2016, the age and period effects also decreased. The intrinsic estimator coefficients suggesting the cohort effect shifted from positive to negative in 2011, the starting year of free varicella vaccine program in Jeju-do. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that inoculated varicella vaccines have preventive effects. However, further studies to evaluate waning immunity would be needed.

Incidence of varicella in children in Jeju-do, Korea, 2005–2016: age-period-cohort analysis / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Although the nationwide inoculation rate of varicella vaccine was approximately 95% in Korean children recently, the number of notified varicella cases is unexpectedly continuously increasing till now. To suggest some hypotheses regarding this discrepancy, an age-period-cohort (APC) analysis as a descriptive epidemiology study was conducted for children residing in Jeju-do, Korea.METHODS: The raw data were obtained from the nationwide database for insurance claim of healthcare fee provided by the National Health Insurance Service, Korea. The selection criteria were children aged 2–13 years who visited any healthcare center due to varicella from 2005 to 2016 while residing in Jeju-do. After calculating the birth cohort-specific crude incidence rates by age and year, the intrinsic estimator method was used to perform the APC analysis.RESULTS: As the annual crude incidence rates decreased with increasing age between 2005 and 2016, the age and period effects also decreased. The intrinsic estimator coefficients suggesting the cohort effect shifted from positive to negative in 2011, the starting year of free varicella vaccine program in Jeju-do.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that inoculated varicella vaccines have preventive effects. However, further studies to evaluate waning immunity would be needed.

Vaccination history in elementary school children enrolled in the varicella epidemic investigations held in Jeju-si, Korea in the first half of 2017 / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The reported incidence rate of varicella infection in Jeju-do is higher compared with the national average. This study aimed to examine varicella vaccination history and evaluate clinical manifestation of varicella cases in Jeju-do. METHODS: Based on the guideline suggested by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), two epidemic investigations for varicella infection were conducted in the first half of 2017. The history of varicella vaccination was confirmed using the Integrated Control System for Diseases and Health operated by the KCDC. RESULTS: Out of a total of 60 elementary school children as the study subjects, all had been previously vaccinated against varicella. Twenty cases (33%) showed mild clinical manifestations and no complications. CONCLUSIONS: As the government of Jeju-do has supplied a single-labeled vaccine since 2011, there is a need to evaluate the type of vaccination failure such as primary or secondary.

Vaccination history in elementary school children enrolled in the varicella epidemic investigations held in Jeju-si, Korea in the first half of 2017 / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The reported incidence rate of varicella infection in Jeju-do is higher compared with the national average. This study aimed to examine varicella vaccination history and evaluate clinical manifestation of varicella cases in Jeju-do.METHODS: Based on the guideline suggested by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), two epidemic investigations for varicella infection were conducted in the first half of 2017. The history of varicella vaccination was confirmed using the Integrated Control System for Diseases and Health operated by the KCDC.RESULTS: Out of a total of 60 elementary school children as the study subjects, all had been previously vaccinated against varicella. Twenty cases (33%) showed mild clinical manifestations and no complications.CONCLUSIONS: As the government of Jeju-do has supplied a single-labeled vaccine since 2011, there is a need to evaluate the type of vaccination failure such as primary or secondary.

Estudio clínico epidemiológico de varicela en niños en el departamento de paysandú: año 2013 / Clinical-epidemiological study of varicella in children in the department of paysandú in 2013

Introducción: a pesar de la vacunación universal antivaricela al año de vida (1999), en nuestro país persisten brotes de varicela modificada. Objetivos: 1) Realizar una descripción clínico epidemiológica de un número inusualmente alto de casos de varicela en menores de 15 años en todos los centros educativos del departamento de Paysandú, Uruguay, durante un período de ocho meses. 2) Comparar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los infectados. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo de casos de varicela en menores de 15 años, informados en los centros educativos de Paysandú, entre marzo y octubre del 2013. Resultados: se detectaron 151 casos. El 97% ocurrió en niños vacunados. La edad media fue de 7,4 años. No hubo casos graves. El mayor número de lesiones se asoció a mayor edad y mayor persistencia de la fiebre (p<0,05). La frecuencia de complicaciones fue baja (4%). Provocó 995 días de ausentismo escolar. El 4% tuvo contacto con un familiar que presentaba factores de riesgo de varicela grave. Solo un tercio de los casos fueron denunciados al Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP). Conclusiones: más del 80% de los casos se produjeron en mayores de 5 años. La sintomatología fue más intensa y provocó mayor ausentismo en mayores de 10 años. No hubo casos graves, pero sí contacto con familiares que presentaban factores de riesgo de varicela grave. La baja tasa de denuncia al MSP puede subestimar las cifras oficiales sanitarias. Una segunda dosis podría ser útil en disminuir la carga de enfermedad en los brotes de niños vacunados, estando esta medida en concordancia con la conducta que se tomó en el 2014 por parte de las autoridades sanitarias de incorporar al esquema obligatorio de vacunación la segunda dosis a los 5 años de edad.

Introduction: in spite of the universal varicella vaccination at one year of age (1999), there are still modified varicella outbreaks in our country. Objectives: 1) To perform a clinical-epidemiological description of an unusually high number of cases of varicella in children under 15 years old in all educational centers of the Department of Paysandú, Uruguay, during an eight month period. 2) To compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infected children. Method: descriptive, observational and retrospective study of varicella cases in children under 15 years old, reported in the educational centers of Paysandú, from March through October, 2013. Results: 151 cases were identified. Ninety seven per cent occurred in vaccinated children. Average age was 7.4 years old. There were no severe cases. The largest number of lesions was associated to older patients and a higher persistence of temperature (p<0,05). Frequency of complications was low (4%). It was responsible for 995 days of school absenteeism. Four per cent of them were in contact with relatives who presented risk factors for severe varicella. Only one third of cases were reported to the Ministry of Public Health. Conclusions: over 80% of cases occurred in children older than 5 years old. Symptoms were more intense and caused greater absenteeism in children older than 10 years old. There were non-severe cases, although they were in contact with relatives who presented risk factors for severe varicella. Low reporting rates to the Ministry of Health may underestimate the official health figures. A second dose could be useful to reduce the burden of disease in the outbreaks of vaccinated children, this measure agreeing with the decision made in 2014 by the health authorities, when they included the second dose upon 5 years of age in the mandatory vaccination program.

Introdução: apesar da vacinação universal antivaricela no primeiro ano de vida ser obrigatória desde 1999, persistem no nosso país surtos de varicela modificada. Objetivos: 1) Realizar uma descrição clínico epidemiológica de um número excepcionalmente alto de casos de varicela em menores de 15 anos em todos os centros educativos do departamento de Paysandú, Uruguai, durante um período de oito meses. 2) Comparar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos infectados. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospectivo de casos de varicela em menores de 15 anos, informados nos centros educativos de Paysandú, entre março e outubro de 2013. Resultados: 151 casos foram detectados sendo 97% em crianças vacinadas. A idade media foi 7,4 anos. Não foram registrados casos graves. Um número maior de lesões esteve associado a maior idade e maior persistência de febre (p<0,05). A frequência de complicações foi baixa (4%). Foram registrados 995 dias de absenteísmo escolar por esta causa. 4% das crianças teve contacto com um familiar que apresentava fatores de risco de varicela grave. Somente um terço dos casos foi notificado ao Ministério de Saúde Pública (MSP). Conclusões: mais de 80% dos casos foram observados em crianças maiores de cinco anos. A sintomatologia foi mais intensa e causou maior absenteísmo em crianças maiores de 10 anos. Não foram registrados casos graves, porém em alguns casos houve contacto com familiares que apresentavam fatores de risco de varicela grave. A baixa taxa de notificação ao MSP pode subestimar as taxas oficiais sanitárias. Uma segunda dose poderia ser útil para diminuir a carga da doença em surtos em crianças vacinadas; esta medida está alinhada com a decisão tomada em 2014 pelas autoridades sanitárias de incorporar ao esquema obrigatório de vacinação a segunda dose aos 5 anos de idade.

Costos directos de varicela complicada en una población pediátrica de Colombia / Direct costs of complicated chicken pox in a Colombian pediatric population

Objetivo Estimar los costos directos de varicela en una población pediátrica de Colombia. Método Se diseño un estudio de casos retrospectivo sobre todos los casos de varicela diagnosticados de 2005-2008 en el Hospital Infantil Napoleón Franco Pareja de Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Fue utilizada la perspectiva del hospital. Se buscaron costos de atención, laboratorio, imagenología y medicamentos. El microcosteo se realizó en pesos colombianos del 2010. Se realizó un ajuste por inflación. Resultados La mediana de costos totales hospitalarios fue de $ 898 766 (Q1: $ 197 348; Q3: $ 1 195 262). La mediana de costo por día hospitalario fue de $ 221 777 (Q1: $ 97 027; Q3: $ 293 740). En menores de 1 año la mediana de costo fue de $ 980 742 (Q1: $ 905 708; Q3: $ 1 026 031). En pacientes de 5-12 años la mediana de costo fue de $ 105 833 (Q1: $ 39 568; Q3: $ 891 824). Conclusiones. Los resultados se asemejan con estudios previos sobre el tema (en Panamá, e incluso algunos países desarrollados), evidenciando un relativo alto costo de enfermedad por varicela en Colombia. Estos resultados aumentan la evidencia a favor de la vacunación, e invitan a decisores en salud en Colombia a considerar la introducción de la vacunación contra varicela.

Objective Estimating the cost of chicken pox in a Colombian pediatric population. Methodology This was a retrospective case study which searched for all diagnosed chicken pox cases in the Napoleón Franco Pareja children’s hospital (Cartagena, Colombia), during 2005-2008. The hospital’s records/perspective was used. Cost related to health personnel, lab, diagnostic images and drugs were searched. The micro-costing was made at Colombian peso prices for 2010. An adjustment was made for inflation. Results Mean hospital costs were $ 898,766 (Q1: $ 197,348; Q3: $ 1,195,262). Mean hospital cost per day was $ 221,777 (Q1: $ 97,027; Q3: $ 293,740). Mean cost <1 year-old patients was $ 980,742 (Q1: $ 905,708; Q3: $ 1,026,031). Mean cost was $ 105,833 in 5-12 year-old patients (Q1: $ 39,568; Q3: $ 891,824). Conclusions The results were similar to those of previous studies (in Panama and some developed countries) highlighting relatively high illness costs in Colombia. These results increase the evidence in favor of vaccination and invite Colombian public health officials to consider introducing a chicken pox vaccine into Colombia.

Resultados de la vacunación universal a niños de un año con vacuna de varicela en Montevideo, Uruguay / Prevalence of obesity in the population aged 10 to 19 in the paediatric consultation

Introducción: en Uruguay, a partir del 1 de octubre de 1999, se inició la vacunación universal, obligatoria y gratuita a niños de un año con vacuna de varicela. Esta inmunización alcanzó altos índices de cobertura. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir lo sucedido en Montevideo, ciudad capital del país, que alberga prácticamente la mitad de la población, luego de la introducción de esta vacuna. Material y método: es un estudio descriptivo, multicéntrico, en el que se incluyeron niños menores de 15 años, con diagnóstico de varicela que consultaron médico en el período comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 1997 y el 31 de diciembre de 2002 en la ciudad de Montevideo. Se analizaron las consultas y las hospitalizaciones registradas en el hospital público pediátrico, en una institución privada, y en dos sistemas de emergencia médica móvil en el período prevacunación (1997-1999) y en el período posvacunación (2000-2002). Resultados: en el hospital público las hospitalizaciones disminuyeron de un 0,82% (IC95% 0,72-0,93) en el período prevacunación a 0,33% (IC95% 0,28-0,40) en el período posvacunación. Las hospitalizaciones en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos y las consultas en el Departamento de Emergencia también disminuyeron significativamente. En los servicios de emergencia médica móvil las consultas disminuyeron de un 1,62% (IC95% 1,58-1,66) en el período prevacunación a 0,64% (IC95% 0,61-0,66) en el período posvacunación. Conclusiones: la aplicación sistemática de la vacuna de varicela a los niños al año de edad con altas tasas de vacunación ha sido efectiva, observándose una disminución significativa del número de consultas externas y de hospitalizaciones que alcanza a los propios niños vacunados y a los niños de los otros grupos de edades.

Introduction: universal, compulsory and free vaccination against varicella in children under one year old started in Uruguay in October 1st 1999. High levels of vaccination coverage were attained. The aim of this study is to describe what happened in Montevideo -the capital city, where nearly half of the population lives- in the post-vaccination period. Material and method: this is a descriptive and multi-center study. Children under 15 years old with varicella diagnosis who had a medical visit between January 1st 1997 and December 31st 2002 in Montevideo were included. The visits and the hospitalizations registered in the Pediatrics Public Hospital, a private institution and two mobile medical emergency services in the pre-vaccination period (1997-1999) and the postvaccination period (2000-2002) were analyzed. Results: the hospitalizations in the public hospital dropped 0,82% (95% CI 0,28-0,40) in the post-vaccination period. The hospitalizations in the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department visits also dropped significantly. In the mobile medical emergency services the visits dropped from 1,62% (95% CI 1,58-1,66) in the pre-vaccination period to 0,64% (95% CI 0,61-0,66) in the post-vaccination period. Conclusions: the systematic vaccination against varicella in children under one year old with high rates of vaccination has been effective. Significant decreases on the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations were observed, both in the vaccinated children and in children of other age groups.