Chickenpox: presentation and complications in adults.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chickenpox (varicella) is typically a mild childhood illness.
• Adult cases of chickenpox are less common but often present with more severe manifestations and a higher risk of complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and complication rates in hospitalized adult patients with chickenpox.
• To identify risk factors associated with severe outcomes in adult varicella cases.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, hospital-based study was conducted over three years.
• Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, and laboratory results (e.g., complete blood count, liver function tests).
• Patients received standard treatment protocols for chickenpox and its complications.

Main Results:

• 102 adult patients were studied, with common symptoms including rash, fever, and cough.
• Frequent complications included elevated ALT levels (51.9%), thrombocytopenia (42.1%), and varicella pneumonia (28.4%).
• Varicella pneumonia risk increased in males, older adults, smokers, and those with respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Adult chickenpox leads to severe systemic disease and a high rate of complications.
• Increased mortality is observed, particularly in older adults and smokers who develop varicella pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.