Oncology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Oncology, including details on cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.

Chickenpox in varicella IgG positive patients: Experience of a regional paediatric oncology centre.

Manley S, Mallinson H, Caswell M, Keenan R, Pizer B

Department of Paediatric Oncology, RLC NHS Trust Alder Hey, Liverpool, UK.

Aciclovir prophylaxis was previously given to all immunocompromised patients treated by our unit, following contact with varicella zoster. In 2003, we changed practice according to National Guidelines, giving prophylaxis only to patients without serum varicella zoster immunoglobulin G antibody (VZ IgG) at diagnosis of their malignancy. Since then we have seen nine patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and VZ IgG positivity at diagnosis of their malignancy develop chickenpox. Our observations question current practice for patients with ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Published 14 February 2008 in Pediatr Blood Cancer.
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