Varicella-zoster virus infection can lead to severe illness in immunocompromised patients. Further the mortality rate of disseminated
varicella infection is extremely high particularly in immunocompromised children. We report a case of disseminated
varicella infection in a child with
acute lymphoblastic leukemia who was receiving
chemotherapy, but was initially admitted with only for acute
abdominal pain. The patient rapidly developed severe complications, including
acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute
hepatitis,
disseminated intravascular coagulation, and
encephalopathy.
Acyclovir is a highly potent inhibitor of
varicella-zoster virus infection. However, owing to rapid
disease progression, it might not be sufficient to control a disseminated
varicella infection, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Immunoglobulin neutralize virus invasion and suppress
viremia, acting synergistically with
acyclovir. In this case, early administration of
acyclovir and a high-dose of
immunoglobulin, combined with mechanical respiratory support, proved adequate for treatment of this severe illness.