Varicella and herpes zoster in immunosuppressed children: preliminary results of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin

Helv Paediatr Acta. 1984 Mar;39(1):63-70.

Abstract

Seven immunosuppressed children with varicella and two with herpes zoster were treated with large intravenous doses of polyvalent, intact immunoglobulin (IgG i.v.). In all patients the treatment was effective for controlling fever and skin lesions and for preventing progression and complications, even if this therapy was started late and/or if the patient was severely lymphopenic . More IgG was needed to control disseminated than less advanced varicella. No untoward effects of IgG therapy were observed. The preliminary results suggest that in future trials i.v. IgG should be used for comparison with antiviral agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Chickenpox / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / therapy*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications
  • Hodgkin Disease / complications
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Infant
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / complications
  • Lymphoma / complications
  • Male
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents