Antiviral treatment of varicella in pediatric practice in the Latium region of Italy: results of an observational study.
BACKGROUND
The optimal management of chickenpox in children is a controversial issue, at least in Europe. This study was designed to describe chickenpox in children and its reported management by pediatricians working for the National Health Service in the Latium region of Italy.


METHODS
A questionnaire collected information on the duration, complications and treatment of the disease between September, 1998, and May, 1999, by participant pediatricians who enrolled 1094 patients in community pediatric practice.


RESULTS
Secondary and tertiary cases of the disease in the same household were more severe than the primary cases. Acyclovir was given to 50% of the children, with a tendency to treat more severely ill children. The duration of the disease was significantly less in children receiving acyclovir within the first 24 h of rash (7.6 days 9.0). No complications requiring hospitalization were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of antiviral drugs is not consistent among pediatricians. Clear guidelines are needed to minimize the use of drugs and to identify children who are likely to benefit most from antiviral therapy.
Department of Public Health, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy. volpi@uniroma2.it
Antonio
A
Volpi
Giuseppe
G
Gentile
Francesca
F
Pica
Barbara
B
Suligoi
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir