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NSAIDs in paediatrics: caution with varicella!

L Durand1,2, P Sachs3, C Lemaitre4

  • 1Pharmacie, Hôpital Robert-Debré, APHP, 48 bd Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
|August 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may worsen bacterial infections in children with varicella (chickenpox). Caution is advised when prescribing NSAIDs to pediatric patients due to potential risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness.
  • Concerns exist regarding anti-inflammatory drugs potentially exacerbating bacterial infections in varicella patients.
  • Widespread availability of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contributes to their frequent use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of NSAIDs in the deterioration of varicella patients.
  • To highlight the need for increased awareness and caution regarding NSAID use in pediatric varicella cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case review of three pediatric patients with varicella.
  • Analysis of clinical outcomes associated with NSAID use.

Main Results:

  • Three cases suggested a link between NSAID administration and worsened varicella outcomes.
  • NSAIDs may predispose varicella patients to severe bacterial infections.

Conclusions:

  • NSAID use in pediatric varicella patients warrants caution.
  • Enhanced patient and healthcare provider education on NSAID risks is recommended.
  • The benefit/risk balance of NSAIDs in this population requires careful consideration.

Keywords:
Bacterial complicationsChildrenIbuprofenInfectionNSAIDsPaediatricsVaricella

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