J Korean Soc Transplant.
2000 Jun;14(1):87-92.
Varicella Pneumonia in Adult Following Renal Transplantation
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Mdicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Taegu, Korea.
- 2Department of Surgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Taegu, Korea.
- 3Department of Urology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Taegu, Korea.
- 4Kidney Institute, Taegu, Korea.sbpark@dsmc.or.kr
Abstract
- Varicella is usually a benign childhood disease, while in the adult is an infrequent but potentially serious infection. Varicella pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening complication that should be suspected in any adult with chickenpox and respiratory symptoms. In the adult it may be complicated by pneumonia with high morbidity and mortality rates. We present a case of varicella pneumonia complicated the course of chickenpox in the living-related donor renal transplant recipient. A 30-year-old male received an allograft kidney from his father following treatment with cyclosporine and low-dose steroids. Allograft function was stable over the next 27 months. He was admitted hospital with a week history of generalized varicelliform rash, malaise, fever, chills and a cough. Three weeks ago, his nephew (7-year-old) had chickenpox who was living together in the same house. On examination he looked severely ill, febrile and his skin was covered with typical chickenpox eruption. Auscultatory examination was unremarkable while chest X-rays revealed bilateral interstitial infiltration. HRCT findings showed multiple variable sized nodules, patchy ground-glass opacities, and some consolidation in both lower lung. Treament with i.v. acyclovir was started and continued for 10 days. The patient response to the treatment was excellent with complete resolution of pneumonia.
