[Varicella in Icelandic children--epidemiology and complications].
BACKGROUND
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 Iceland. The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of varicella in Icelandic children and it s complications. The results may prove important when deciding on varicella immunization in Iceland.


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 admissions were 58, annual admissions 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Most children in Iceland 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 Iceland. Key words: varicella, epidemiology, complications, children, infants, immunization.
Thórarinsdóttir
Hildur
H
Laeknadeild HI, Asgeir Haraldsson, Barnaspítala Hringsins, Landspítala, 101 Reykjavík.
Löve
Arthur
A
Laxdal
Thröstur
T
Gudnason
Thórólffur
T
Haraldsson
Asgeir
A
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003681:Dehydration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine