Severe varicella-zoster virus pneumonia: a multicenter cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumonia is a dreaded complication of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in adults; however, the data are limited. Our objective was to investigate the clinical features, management, and outcomes of critically ill patients with VZV-related community-acquired pneumonia (VZV-CAP).

Methods

This was an observational study of patients with VZV-CAP admitted to 29 intensive care units (ICUs) from January 1996 to January 2015.

Results

One hundred and two patients with VZV-CAP were included. Patients were young (age 39 years (interquartile range 32-51)) and 53 (52%) were immunocompromised. Time since respiratory symptom onset was 2 (1-3) days. There was a seasonal distribution of the disease, with more cases during spring and winter time. All but four patients

SUBMITTER: Mirouse A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5463395 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature