Non-pulmonary parameters associated to varicella pneumonia in healthy adults.

Objective - Varicella occurring in healthy adults may extend to the lungs. Diagnosing this complication is sometimes difficult because of the typical discrepancy usually reported in this affection. Material and methods - The authors report the results of a retrospective st udy on 101 patients including 24 cases of varicella pneumonia. This conditi on is defined as the presence of clinical signs of pneumonia and radiograph ic abnormalities consistent with a viral pneumonitis. Results - Comparison of the patients with and without varicella pneumonia ( VP) showed the existence of several parameters significantly associated wit h VF! Among them, three were easy to identify on the initial examination (t obacco use, fever > 38.3 degrees C and enanthem of the mouth) whereas hepat itis seemed to be more difficult to assess in general practice. Moreover; t hese parameters were associated to radiographic abnormality of the lungs ev en in patients who did not exhibit any sign of pulmonary involvement. Comments - Since the patients in our study were selected by the "hospitaliz ation" criterion, we can not speculate on the interest of these parameters to help the general practitioner decide whether or not to refer the patient to hospital. Therefore, further studies made in collaboration with general practitioners are necessary. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.