Læknablaðið - 15.02.2009, Qupperneq 22

FRÆÐIGREINAR
RANNSÓKNIR
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epidemiology and complications
Varicella in lcelandic children -
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 lceland. The aim
of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of
varicella in lcelandic children and it's complications. The
results may prove important when deciding on varicella
immunization in lceland.
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 lceland 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 lceland.
Thorarinsdottir H, Löve A, Laxdal Th, Gudnason Th, Haraldsson A. Varicella in lcelandic children - epidemiology
and complications. Icel Med J 2009; 95:113-118.
Key words: varícella, epidemiology, complications, children, infants, immunization.
Correspondence: Asgeir Haraldsson, asgeir@landspitali.is
Barst: 19. september 2008, - samþykkt til birtingar: 16. desember 2008.
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