PREVENTION OF VARICELLA IN HIGH RISK CHILDREN: A COLLABORATIVE STUDY

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Abstract
It has been shown that varicella can be prevented in susceptible normal children by administration of zoster immune globulin (ZIG) following exposure. A dose adequate to prevent illness in a normal child, however, appeared only to modify the disease when given to a leukemic child. It appeared, therefore, that larger quantities of antibody might be required to prevent varicella in high risk children. A collaborative study was thus undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ZIG in children considered to be at high risk from varicella. Susceptible children with leukemia or other malignancies, or with defects in cellular immunity on either a genetic or an iatrogenic basis were considered to be at high risk. Such children from collaborating centers were preregistered in the study, and ZIG was administered after a household exposure to varicella had occurred. Nine high risk children received ZIG within 48 hours following a household exposure. Varicella was prevented or modified in eight of these children. One child who received a less potent preparation of ZIG developed progressive varicella, but subsequently recovered. ZIG in adequate dosage, administered within 48 hours of exposure, may be expected to prevent or modify varicella in high risk children.
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