Hepatic cellular injury during varicella

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Uncomplicated varicella (chickenpox) can present with subclinical hepatic cellular injury.
• Liver function test abnormalities may not be apparent in all cases of varicella-associated liver injury.
• Reye's syndrome is a serious complication associated with varicella.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and significance of hepatic cellular injury during varicella infections.
• To evaluate the utility of liver function tests in managing children with progressive varicella or Reye's syndrome.
• To determine the presence of viremia during the acute phase of varicella-associated Reye's syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Serological testing for evidence of hepatic cellular injury.
• Assessment of liver function tests (LFTs).
• Viremia detection during the acute stage of varicella-associated Reye's syndrome.

Main Results:

• Serological evidence of hepatic cellular injury was observed in uncomplicated varicella.
• The extent of liver function abnormalities can vary, with some cases showing normal LFTs.
• Viremia was not detected during the acute phase of varicella-associated Reye's syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Hepatic cellular injury is a potential complication of varicella, even in the absence of severe disease.
• Liver function test abnormalities, when present, may guide management of severe varicella or Reye's syndrome.
• The absence of detectable viremia in acute varicella-associated Reye's syndrome warrants further investigation.