Abstract

181 children with Hodgkin's disease were analyzed with respect to the occurrence of herpes zoster and varicella (HZ-V) infections, possible contributing factors, and prognostic significance. The overall frequency of HZ-V was 34.8%. The occurrence in stage I was significantly lower than in other stages. Previous splenectomy was not found to increase significantly the risk of infection. High-risk patients were those receiving extensive radiotherapy plus combination chemotherapy; 56% developed HZ-V infections in this group. The frequency with extensive field radiotherapy alone was 23.8%. 80% of infections occurred during the first year after completion of treatment. Their occurrence was not a poor prognostic sign in terms of relapse or fatality, even when occurring late. The high frequency of disseminated infection (27%) with its subsequent morbidity should lead toward a better understanding of the immunologic deficiencies in these patients and the possible role of prophylactic measures, in patients undergoing extensive radiotherapy in combination with multiagent chemotherapy.

View details for Web of Science ID A1978EK24400014

View details for PubMedID 626945