Varicella infection after heart and lung transplantation: a single-center experience.
Disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection after organ transplantation in adults is a rare but serious event causing significant morbidity and mortality. We describe our 10-year experience of 13 cases in a single center, including risk factors for infection, lack of protection from pre-existing anti-varicella-zoster virus antibodies, and unusual modes of presentation, including disseminated intravascular coagulation. We also report our preliminary observation of resolution of infection without sequelae in 4 patients with severe disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection who were treated with the combination of intravenous acyclovir and polyspecific intravenous immunoglobulin.
Carby
Martin
M
Department of Transplantation, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex, United Kingdom. m.carby@rbht.nhs.uk
Jones
Andrew
A
Burke
Margaret
M
Hall
Anne
A
Banner
Nicholas
N
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000821:virology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D016041:Heart-Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D000212:Acyclovir