[Complications of varicella as a function of the terrain. Apropos of 103 cases]

The complications of varicella have been studied in 103 cases of hospitalized children. The patients have been divided into two groups: group I comprises 94 previously healthy children; group II is made up of 9 children who have been treated by corticotherapy for a long time. The frequency of the complications is not statistically different between the two groups. On the other hand, all the fatal complications are observed in group II (3 deaths out of 9 patients). This investigation is in accordance with published data which allows us to characterize a high risk population for life threatening varicella: patients with congenital or acquired cell immunity deficiency. This group requires special therapy: vaccination, specific immunoglobulins and acyclovir.