Features of course of chickenpox and immunization of children with congenital epidermolysis bullosa from <i>Varicella zoster virus</i>: Results of retrospective and prospective study

Abstract

Patients with congenital epidermolysis bullosa (CEB) are at increased risk of developing skin infections. In this category of patients, infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV) can lead to such complications.Purpose of the study. To assess the severity of Varicella (VA) and the immune status of patients with CEB who had a history of VA. To study the efficacy and safety of the varicella vaccine in patients with CEB.Methods. During the study, two groups were formed: children with CEB who had a history of VO (group 1), children who received one dose of vaccine against VO (group 2). The severity of chickenpox in children from group 1 was assessed based on the survey data. The immune status of participants in groups 1 and 2 was determined by the level of serum IgG antibodies to VZV by enzyme immunoassay. The safety of immunization against varicella in children with CEB was assessed by the number of adverse events in the post-vaccination period.Results. The study included 16 children with CEB who had a history of chickenpox and 30 children with CEB who were vaccinated against chickenpox. According to the survey, in group 1 5 (31.25%) people had mild chickenpox, 8 (50.00%) children had moderate severity, and 3 (18.75%) children had a severe course of the disease. According to the results of laboratory data, in 15 (94.00%) children, a sufficient level of protective antibodies was formed after the disease. Thirty patients were immunized with the first dose of varicella vaccine. The vast majority of patients developed a level of protective antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus. All patients did not have serious adverse events and worsening of the underlying disease in the post-vaccination period.Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a good safety profile and efficacy of the first dose of the varicella vaccine and allow us to proceed with further observations after the completion of the course of immunization of children with CEB against this infection.