       Document 0666
 DOCN  M9640666
 TI    Frequent recurrence and persistence of varicella-zoster virus infections
       in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
 DT    9604
 AU    von Seidlein L; Gillette SG; Bryson Y; Frederick T; Mascola L; Church J;
       Brunell P; Kovacs A; Deveikis A; Keller M; Department of Pediatrics,
       University of California at Los; Angeles, Childrens Hospital Los
       Angeles, USA.
 SO    J Pediatr. 1996 Jan;128(1):52-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96144594
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To examine complications and treatment of varicella-zoster
       virus (VZV) infections in children infected with human immunodeficiency
       virus type 1 (HIV-1). METHODS: Cases of VZV infection were identified
       retrospectively by reports to the department of health services and
       review of medical charts. The CD4+ cell counts were correlated with
       severity and frequency of VZV episodes. RESULTS: We identified 117
       episodes of VZV infection in 73 HIV-1-infected children between Aug. 21,
       1986, and Dec. 1, 1993. The most common complications were recurrence
       and persistence; 38 children (53%) had 69 recurrent episodes of VZV
       infection. The majority of children (61%) had zoster during the first
       recurrent episode, and 32% had a disseminated eruption typical of
       varicella. There was a strong association between an increasing number
       of episodes of VZV infection and low CD4+ cell count (p = 0.0008). In a
       subgroup followed for at least 2 years after their primary varicella
       episode, 10 of 22 children had a recurrence. Persistence of VZV
       infection was documented in 10 of 73 children, whereas other
       complications were rare. Thirty-three children (45%) were hospitalized
       and received acyclovir intravenously. CONCLUSION: Primary, recurrent,
       and persistent VZV infections are a frequent cause of morbidity and
       hospitalization for HIV-1-infected children. Studies of improved
       preventive and therapeutic agents are urgently needed in this
       population.
 DE    Adolescence  AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY/
       *VIROLOGY  Chickenpox/IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY/*VIROLOGY  Child  Child,
       Preschool  CD4 Lymphocyte Count  Female  Human  Male  Recurrence
       JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

