Chicken Pox Flashcards

1
Q

What is Chicken Pox?

A

Chicken Pox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). It is usually a mild disease in childhood.

It can be contracted from others with either Chicken Pox or Shingles.

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2
Q

What is Varicella Zoster Virus?

A

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a type of human herpesvirus.

Primary infection causes Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox).

Secondary (reactivation) infection causes Herpes Zoster (Shingles).

Reference: Nelson’s Paediatrics (18th Edition), p 1366.

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3
Q

What is the natural course of Chickenpox?

A

VZV is transmitted by airborne spread or direct contact with respiratory secretions or the fluid of skin lesions for infected individuals.

Infective from 1-2 days before appearance of rash until vesicles are crusted (usually 3-7 days after onset).

  • Primary infection of upper respiratory tract and tonsils
  • Incubation period of 10-21 days
  • Subclinical viraemia with spread to reticuloendothelial system
  • Secondary viraemia with widespread rash lasting 3-7 days
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells carry the virus
  • In immunocompromised individuals, uninhibited replication of the virus may cause disseminated infection (lungs, liver, brain)
  • Retrograde transport of virus through sensory neurons to dorsal root ganglia
  • Reactivation of the virus causes Herpes Zoster (Shingles).

Reference: Nelson’s Paediatrics (18th Edition), p. 1366.

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4
Q

How does Chicken Pox present?

A

Prodrome

  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Anorexia
  • Headache
  • Mild abdominal pain
  • Rash (pruritic macule > papule > clear vesicle > clouding > umbilication > crusting)
  • Rash typically starts on scalp/face/trunk*
  • Ulcerative lesions in mouth/vagina are common*
  • Fever
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5
Q

How is Chicken Pox investigated?

A

Chicken Pox often does not need investigation, however, the following may be found:

Leucopaenia

Mildly elevated LFTs

VZV IgG (to check immunisation status)

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6
Q

How is Chicken Pox managed?

A

Supportive Measures

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