Haematological complications in otherwise healthy children hospitalized for varicella
Bozzola Elena1, Quondamcarlo Anna, Krzysztofiak Andrzej
1Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Roma, Italy. elena.bozzola@opbg.net
Insights
Varicella (chickenpox) can lead to serious complications in children, particularly hematological and neurological issues. Increased varicella vaccination rates are recommended to prevent severe pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunization and Public Health
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is often perceived as a mild childhood illness.
- However, varicella can result in severe complications necessitating hospitalization in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the types and frequency of varicella complications in hospitalized children.
- To inform public health strategies regarding varicella vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical charts from 306 pediatric patients admitted for varicella.
- Data collected from the Infectious Disease Unit, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy (2006-2010).
Main Results:
- Hematological disorders were the most frequent complication (41.5%).
- Neurological complications represented the second most common group (23.5%).
Conclusions:
- Varicella complications in hospitalized children are significant.
- Enhancing varicella vaccination within childhood immunization programs is crucial for prevention.
Abstract:
Although varicella is commonly regarded as a mild childhood disease, complications may occur and frequently require hospitalization. The aim of this study was to establish the type and frequency of varicella complications among hospitalized paediatric patients over a 4.5-year period. This analysis included the medical charts of 306 patients admitted to the Infectious Disease Unit, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Roma, Italy from 2006 to 2010 for varicella disease. The most common complications were haematological disorders (41.5%) followed by neurological ones (23.5%). Varicella vaccination in childhood immunization program must be increased.
Related Concept Videos
Chickenpox
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...

