Abstract
Varicella zoster virus infections in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were treated with intravenous acyclovir and its therapeutic effects and side effects were studied. Seven patients (6 ALL, 1 NHL) developed varicella or herpes zoster infection, usually just after the administration of the anticancer drugs. Acyclovir was given in a dose of 5 mg per kilogram every eight hours as a one-hour infusion for seven days. Varicella was severe in three patients. Encephalitis and pneumonia were suspected in one case and acyclovir was increased up to 10mg/kg.
Although the number of patients treated with acyclovir in the present study was small, the results were effective or quite effective except one case which developed disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and passed away rapidly.
Tests of renal, liver, and hematopoietic functions during and after the treatment revealed no adverse effects of the drugs.
Acyclovir appeared to be the most effective drug for the treatment of varicella zoster infections.
