Varicella at "Casa Garrahan", 2008-2013: Assessment of postexposure prophylaxis measures.

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría Country of Publication: Argentina NLM ID: 0372460 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1668-3501 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03250075 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Arch Argent Pediatr Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Buenos Aires : Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría
      Original Publication: Buenos Aires, La Prensa Medical Argentina [etc.]
    • Subject Terms:
      Chickenpox Vaccine* ; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis*; Acyclovir/*therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; Chickenpox/*prevention & control; Argentina ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Hospitals, Pediatric ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies
    • Abstract:
      Introduction: Casa Garrahan (CG) accommodates children with complex conditions referred nationwide; these children are seen in children's hospitals located in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Varicella is a highly-contagious disease, with attack rates of up to 90% among susceptible individuals. In closed communities, the implementation of outbreak control measures is critical.
      Objectives: To describe the characteristics of children exposed to varicella at CG, the implemented prophylaxis measures and their effectiveness.
      Methods: Prospective, cohort study. Children exposed to varicella at CG between2008 and 2013, their demographic and clinical characteristics, immunization and/or history of varicella, prophylaxis measures, and secondary attack rate were assessed.
      Results: N: 107. Fifty-three percent (n: 57) were girls. Their median age was 84 months old [interquartile range (IQR): 24-144]. Ninety-five percent (n: 102) had an underlying disease [hemato-oncological disease: 39% (n: 42); neurological disease: 18% (n: 19); congenital heart disease: 9% (n: 10); and post-operative period: 65 (n: 6)]. Fifty percent had some degree of immunosuppression (n: 54). Twenty-nine percent (n: 31) referred to have had varicella; 27% (n: 29) indicated that they never had the infection; and 41% (n: 44) did not recall a history of varicella. Only 3% (n: 3) had been vaccinated. Based on their immune status, age and history of varicella, acyclovir was indicated as prophylaxis in 61% (n: 65); immunization in 10% (n: 10); and gamma globulin in 1 patient. No adverse effects were observed in relation to the different prophylaxis measures. No secondary cases were observed at 30 days.
      Conclusions: Implemented measures were effective to prevent secondary cases. Among healthy and immunocompromised children, prophylaxis with acyclovir was effective and well-tolerated.
    • Accession Number:
      0 (Antiviral Agents)
      0 (Chickenpox Vaccine)
      X4HES1O11F (Acyclovir)
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20150522 Date Completed: 20170503 Latest Revision: 20220718
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.5546/aap.2015.eng.237
    • Accession Number:
      25996322