| Author/Editor | Radešček-Rakar, R | |
| Title | Infekcije z varicela zoster virusom pri imunsko prizadetih otrocih z malignimi boleznimi na Infekcijski kliniki v Ljubljani (1980-1989); možnosti zdravljenja in preprečevanja | |
| Translated title | Varicella zoster virus infections in immunosuppressed children with malignancies hospitalized in the Department for infectious diseases in Ljubljana (1980-1989); the possibility of treatment and prophylaxis | |
| Type | članek | |
| Source | Zdrav Vestn | |
| Vol. and No. | Letnik 60, št. 2 | |
| Publication year | 1991 | |
| Volume | str. 75-9 | |
| Language | slo | |
| Abstract | In the 10 year period (between 1980 and 1989) 113 immunocompromised children with Varicella Zoster virus infections were hospitalized in the Department for Infectious Diseases in Ljubljana. The mean age of the children was 7.8, ranging from 1 to 15 years. 79 of them were hospitalized for Varicella and 34 for Zoster. A comparative study was made of Vidarabine (15 cases) and Acyclovir (64 cases) in the treatment of Varicella Zoster virus infections in these high risk children. The findings indicate that both Vidarabine and Acyclovir have a good therapeutic index (efficacy/toxicity) when they are given early in the course of the infection (<72 hours). But Acyclovir with its highly selective mechanism of action and low toxicity might be preferred and has to be considered the drug of choice in the treatment of immunocompromised patients with Varicella Zoster virus infections. Preliminary reports suggest that a high dose of oral Acyclovir may be effective even in such patients with Zoster without dissemination. In every immunocompromised patient with Varicella Zoster virus infection Acyclovir should be started immediately. The benefit was more pronounced in patients who began treatment within 48 hours of the onset of the rash. Such an approach to patients has shortened the time of hospitalization from 17.8 to 9.4 days, has diminished the visceral dissemination from 29 vaccine (not yet available in our country) | |
| Descriptors | NEOPLASMS CHICKENPOX HERPES ZOSTER VIDARABINE ACYCLOVIR CHILD VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS HOSPITALIZATION SEX FACTORS |