Population-based studies of varicella complications

H. A. Guess, D. D. Broughton, L. J. Melton, L. T. Kurland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

319 Scopus citations

Abstract

Population-based data on varicella complications are presented using information both from national sample surveys and hospitalizations and physician office visits and from reviews of medical records for all cases occurring within one community (Olmsted County, Minnesota) during a specified period. Acute cerebellar ataxia is the most common neurologic complication of varicella and occurs about once in 4,000 varicella cases among children younger than 15 years of age. Among adults, varicella pneumonia is the most common complication and results in hospitalization about once in every 400 varicella cases. Overall, varicella accounts for approximately 4,000 hospitalizations and 364,000 physician office visits annually in the United States and represents an important continuing source of childhood and adult morbidity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)723-727
Number of pages5
JournalPediatrics
Volume78
Issue number4 II SUPPL.
StatePublished - 1986

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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