Disseminated varicella infection in a child receiving short-term steroids for asthma.

Abstract

An 8-year-old boy, treated with a short course of steroids for asthma, developed a fever with abdominal pain and a generalized vesicular rash after contact with varicella-infected classmates. The clinical presentation was disseminated varicella infection with multiple organ involvement. We confirmed varicella zoster virus using a direct fluorescent antibody test. This report demonstrates the increased risk of complicated varicella associated with the use of corticosteroids, even for a short period of time.

• Authors: Chang-Teng Wu, Shih-Chang Tsai, Jainn-Jin Lin, Shao-Hsuan Hsia
• Journal: Pediatric dermatology (Pediatr Dermatol) 2008 Jul-Aug Vol. 25 Issue 4 Pg. 484-6 ISSN: 1525-1470 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18789098 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Prednisolone
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (adverse effects)
• Asthma (drug therapy)
• Chickenpox (transmission)
• Child
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (adverse effects)
• Male
• Prednisolone (adverse effects)