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Acyclovir prevents dissemination of varicella in immunocompromised children
G Nyerges1, Z Meszner, E Gyarmati
1Central Municipal Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary.
Insights
Intravenous acyclovir significantly improved outcomes for immunocompromised children with varicella. Acyclovir treatment reduced the need for further intervention and hastened crusting, demonstrating its efficacy in managing this viral infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Immunocompromised Host Management
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) poses a significant risk to immunocompromised children.
- Disseminated varicella can lead to severe complications in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous acyclovir in treating non-disseminated varicella in immunocompromised children.
- To compare treatment outcomes between acyclovir and placebo groups.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Fifty immunocompromised children with varicella were enrolled.
- Patients received either intravenous acyclovir or a placebo.
Main Results:
- Significantly fewer patients in the acyclovir group required treatment withdrawal compared to the placebo group (1 vs. 12, P < .001).
- Acyclovir significantly reduced the time to full crusting of lesions (P = .01).
- Physician assessment indicated overall significant improvement in patients treated with acyclovir.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous acyclovir is an effective treatment for non-disseminated varicella in immunocompromised children.
- Early administration of acyclovir can prevent disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
Abstract:
Fifty immunocompromised children with varicella who exhibited no signs of dissemination were treated with intravenous acyclovir or placebo in a double-blind, randomized study. Twelve of 25 placebo recipients were withdrawn from treatment because of their deteriorating condition and were given open acyclovir therapy; only one of 25 recipients of acyclovir was similarly withdrawn (P less than .001). Among those patients who did not receive open treatment, acyclovir significantly reduced time to full crusting (P = .01). Overall, acyclovir, as judged by the physician, significantly improved the patients' condition.