J Pediatr Infect Dis 2016; 11(01): 015-018
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586213
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Severe Varicella Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Infant: A Case Report

Asma Lahmouad
1   Department of Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Mother and Child Hospital, University Cadi Ayyad, Ammerchich, Marrakech, Morocco
,
Houssam Rebahi
1   Department of Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Mother and Child Hospital, University Cadi Ayyad, Ammerchich, Marrakech, Morocco
,
Youssef Mouaffak
1   Department of Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Mother and Child Hospital, University Cadi Ayyad, Ammerchich, Marrakech, Morocco
,
Said Younouss
1   Department of Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Mother and Child Hospital, University Cadi Ayyad, Ammerchich, Marrakech, Morocco
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

15 June 2015

02 June 2016

Publication Date:
05 August 2016 (online)

Abstract

Primary varicella infection (chickenpox) is a common and highly contagious infection caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) with a benign outcome during childhood. However, serious complications and death may occur in newborns, adults and in immunocompromised patients, and during pregnancy. VZV pneumonia is a common and life-threatening chickenpox-related complication, particularly in healthy adults. This complication occurs infrequently in children, is even more rarely in infants, and can result in fatal outcomes. We report a case of severe hypoxemic pneumonia occurring during the eruptive phase of varicella in a previously healthy 17-month-old infant, which was associated with a favorable clinical course. Based on the available data, we attempt to discuss the main aspects of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis of this pulmonary complication of varicella.

 
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