Research Note
Paediatric varicella hospitalisations in France: a nationwide survey

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01706.xGet rights and content
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ABSTRACT

Paediatric patients hospitalised with varicella (n = 1575) were reported to a French national network between March 2003 and July 2005. Superinfection was identified in 50.3% of cases, principally of skin and soft-tissue (36.5%). The risk of superinfection increased with fever relapse, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prolonged fever, an age of 1–5 years, and contamination at the childminder's home. Neurological complications were observed in 7.8% of cases, while pulmonary complications were less frequent (3.1 %). Forty-nine patients had sequelae and eight patients died. Surveillance should continue in France with a view to the future implementation of a universal vaccination programme.

Keywords

Complications
paediatric patients
risk-factors
superinfection
surveillance
varicella

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