Chickenpox pneumonia: an association with pregnancy

Thorax. 1989 Oct;44(10):812-5. doi: 10.1136/thx.44.10.812.

Abstract

Three pregnant patients with chickenpox pneumonia are described. A review of reports published since 1965 together with these cases shows that 28 of the 46 women (61%) were pregnant, and 21 were in the last trimester. Although the disease is more common and more severe in pregnancy, the proportion of deaths was no greater than usual. In this retrospective analysis there was no evidence that treatment with acyclovir conferred benefit but this may have reflected its use only in very ill patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*