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Chickenpox in varicella IgG positive patients: Experience of a regional paediatric oncology centre
Author(s) -
Manley Sue,
Mallinson Harry,
Caswell Mark,
Keenan Russell,
Pizer Barry
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21521
Subject(s) - medicine , chickenpox , malignancy , pediatrics , antibody , pediatric oncology , immunology , virus , cancer
Aciclovir prophylaxis was previously given to all immunocompromised patients treated by our unit, following contact with varicella zoster. In 2003, we changed practice according to National Guidelines, giving prophylaxis only to patients without serum varicella zoster immunoglobulin G antibody (VZ IgG) at diagnosis of their malignancy. Since then we have seen nine patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and VZ IgG positivity at diagnosis of their malignancy develop chickenpox. Our observations question current practice for patients with ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:540–542. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.