Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
08:04

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Published on: July 9, 2014

[Disseminated intravascular coagulation in chickenpox. Report of a case in a child]

L Tucciarone1, A Tomassini, A Colasanti

  • 1Istituto di Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Minerva Pediatrica
|December 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster virus) can cause severe disseminated intravascular coagulation in healthy children. This case highlights the importance of not underestimating chickenpox complications and considering antiviral therapy and vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus, is common in childhood.
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare but serious complication.
  • Immunocompetent children are generally considered low-risk for severe varicella complications.

Observation:

  • A healthy, immunocompetent five-year-old boy developed severe DIC during a chickenpox infection.
  • Clinical manifestations included macroscopic hematuria, necrotic purpura, and cerebrovascular thrombosis.
  • The patient experienced a complete recovery despite the severity of DIC.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates that severe DIC can occur in low-risk children with chickenpox.
  • Varicella-Zoster virus infection can lead to life-threatening hematological emergencies.
  • Prompt recognition and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Implications:

  • Chickenpox should not be underestimated, even in healthy children.
  • Further data on the population-level impact of chickenpox complications are needed.
  • This supports the debate on the benefits of early antiviral treatment and Varicella-Zoster virus vaccination.

More Related Videos

In Ovo Intravascular Injection in Chicken Embryos07:00

In Ovo Intravascular Injection in Chicken Embryos

Published on: June 3, 2022

Influenza Virus Propagation in Embryonated Chicken Eggs06:56

Influenza Virus Propagation in Embryonated Chicken Eggs

Published on: March 19, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...