Varicella Admissions in Children and Adolescents in Portugal: 2000-2015
José Fontoura-Matias1, Raquel Sofia Moreira2, Ana Reis-Melo1,3
1Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Varicella hospitalizations in Portuguese children reveal significant complications and costs, particularly during summer. This study provides crucial data for developing effective varicella prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is common in children but can lead to severe complications and hospitalizations.
- Understanding varicella epidemiology is essential for effective public health policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze varicella hospitalizations in children in Portugal.
- To provide epidemiological data for informing preventive policies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of varicella hospitalizations in children (0-17 years) from 2000-2015.
- Utilized a Portuguese administrative database for public hospitals.
- Examined seasonality, geographic distribution, severity, complications, risk factors, procedures, and costs.
Main Results:
- 5120 hospitalizations recorded; annual rate of 17.3 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Higher incidence in summer and Southern regions; median stay of 4 days.
- Significant complications: dermatologic (19.6%), neurologic (6.0%), respiratory (5.1%); total cost €7.1 million.
Conclusions:
- This is the first national study detailing the burden and impact of varicella in Portugal.
- Findings provide essential epidemiological data for evaluating and implementing varicella prevention strategies.
Objectives:
Varicella is a common, usually benign, and autolimited disease in children but can lead to severe complications and hospitalization. With this study, we aim to analyze all varicella hospitalizations to provide epidemiological information to help outline preventive policies.
Methods:
We assessed all varicella hospitalizations in children aged 0 to 17 years, from 2000 to 2015, in mainland, public Portuguese hospitals using a Portuguese administrative database. Seasonality, geographic distribution, severity, complications, risk factors, use of diagnostic and treatment procedures and hospitalization costs were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 5120 hospitalizations were registered, with an annual rate of 17.3 hospitalizations per 100 000 inhabitants. A higher number of hospitalizations occurred during the summer period and in Southern regions. The median length of stay was of 4 days (interquartile range: 3.0-7.0). We found a high rate of severe complications, mostly dermatologic (19.6%), neurologic (6.0%), and respiratory (5.1%). Of the total number of patients, 0.8% were immunocompromised and 0.1% were pregnant. Total direct hospitalization costs during the 16-year period were estimated to be 7 110 719€ (8 603 970 USD), with a mean annual cost of 444 419.92€ (537 748.10 USD).
Conculsions:
This is the first national study in which useful epidemiological data to evaluate the burden and impact of varicella in Portugal is provided.
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