Fræðigrein

Introduction: Varicella is a common disease with possible consequences. The disease is usually contracted in childhood and persistent antibodies are produced. Varicella vaccine is not widely used in Iceland. The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of varicella in Icelandic children and it´s complications. The results may prove important when deciding on varicella immunization in Iceland.

Material and methods: The study was retrospective cross sectional. Varicella antibodies were measured from children <18 years of age. Hospital records of children with varicella were evaluated.

Results: Serum samples numbered 280. Varicella antibodies were present in 65% of children <1 year of age but in 10% of 1-2 year old children. Almost all children had antibodies before the age of ten and 97.5% of children >10 years had antibodies.

Hospital admittions were 58, annual admittions were or 3.6/100.000 children <18 years. Bacterial infections, most frequently skin infections, were the most common complication, followed by cerebellar ataxia, dehydration and nutritional deficiency.

Conclusion: Most children in Iceland contract varicella before the age of ten. Substantial complications were recorded. It is important to recognize varicella, it´s complications, treatment options and explore whether varicella vaccination should be instigated in Iceland.

 

 

Legend to figures and tables:

 

Fig 1.: Icelandic children, 0-19 years of age, with antibodies against varicella zoster virus (95% confidence interval).

 

Fig 2.: Icelandic children, 0-2 years of age, with antibodies against varicella zoster virus. (95% confidence interval).

 

Fig 3.: Number of children admitted to a Reykjavík hospital because of severe varicella zoster virus infection or complications thereof during a twenty year period.

 

Fig 4.: Age distribution of children, admitted to hospital because of severe varicella zoster virus infection or complications thereof.

 

Fig 5.: Diagnosis of 58 children admitted to hospital because of severe varicella zoster virus infection or complications thereof (red: secundary infection, blue: central nervous system complications, green: other complications, yellow: no specific complication other than severe VZV infection).

 

Table I: Number, mean annual number and incidence of children 0-19 years of age with a severe varicella zoster virus infection or complications thereof during a twenty year period.

 

Table II: Results of bacterial cultures of 16 children admitted because of infections following varicella zoster virus infection.