Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Varicella Infection in Immunosuppressed Pediatric Patients: Hematology-Oncology vs. Other Causes

Aim Varicella infection (chickenpox) is one of the most common infectious diseases in childhood, yet it may lead significant mortality and morbidity, especially among immunosuppressed patients. This study aims to carry out a comparative evaluation of complications, duration of hospitalization, antibiotic and acyclovir use and intensive care need of patients who were immunosuppressed due to hematological/oncological diseases (Group A) or due to other causes (Group B). Materials and Methods The medical records of the patients diagnosed with Varicella infection at Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Education and Research Hospital Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic between 2008 and 2016 are retrospectively evaluated. Patients who were immunosuppressed due to hematological/oncological diseases or due to other causes were included in the study. Results A total of 68 patients unrolled to the study. Hospitalization peaked in spring and early summer. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common diagnosis in Group A. Sepsis was more frequent in Group A while skin infection was observed more commonly in Group B. The results revealed that sepsis and acyclovir use was significantly more frequent in Group A, Conclusion In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of early antiviral therapy for providing favorable prognosis with less morbidity and mortality in varicella infection in immunosuppressed patients.