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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jonathan Fisher, Professor Sophie Hambleton
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Purpose of review The prevention of varicella in children with cancer is generally agreed to be an important goal, because of their elevated risk of varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated morbidity and mortality. However, there is a lack of consensus on the best means of achieving this. Here, we review the existing evidence in relation to postexposure prophylaxis against varicella in this group and summarize data regarding the role of active vaccination. Recent findings Death from varicella during treatment for cancer is now rare, but VZV disease and its prevention remain significant problems in paediatric oncology practice. Measures to reduce VZV exposure amongst seronegative individuals are often neglected. When exposure is known to have occurred, early administration of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is generally protective against severe and complicated varicella. However, many centres in the UK and Japan use an oral antiviral agent, aciclovir, in place of VZIG. Published evidence for the efficacy of aciclovir as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) relates mostly to healthy children, with no controlled studies in the immunocompromised. Summary Good evidence already supports the administration of varicella vaccine to healthy susceptible family contacts of children with malignancy, but not to patients themselves. Further data are urgently needed to inform the choice of PEP against VZV in the immunocompromised.
Author(s): Fisher JPH, Bate J, Hambleton S
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
Year: 2011
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Pages: 203-211
Print publication date: 01/06/2011
ISSN (print): 0951-7375
ISSN (electronic): 1473-6527
Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0b013e328345d666
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e328345d666
