Varicella zoster infection in the immunocompromised child.
OBJECTIVE
To describe varicella zoster virus infection in the immunocompromised child and provide guidelines to decrease the risk of infection and complications for these children.


METHODS
Children infected with varicella zoster virus, particularly those with a compromised immune system.


CONCLUSIONS
Varicella zoster virus infection can have serious consequences for children with malignancies and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, as well as children on chronic steroid therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The advanced practice nurse often is responsible for identifying those children at increased risk for VZV infection and its complications and for planning and implementing interventions to decrease the risks to the immunocompromised child.
Pawlik
K M
KM
Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, USA. kpawlik@ameritech.net
D002644:Chickenpox / Q000276:immunology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic