Use of steroids for management of varicella pneumonia.
Varicella pneumonia (VP) is a critical complication of varicella infection and still carries significant morbidity and mortality, often requiring intensive care unit admission. Current accepted treatment is with intravenous aciclovir and organ support, if required. We report two cases of VP with acute respiratory failure, successfully treated with intravenous steroids in addition to aciclovir. Further research into the benefits of steroid therapy in VP is warranted.
Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK.
Ruth
R
Corrigan
Department of Critical Care, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK.
Ruth
R
Carter
Department of Infectious Disease, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK.
Mansoor
M
Raza
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D013256:Steroids; D000212:Acyclovir