INTRODUCTION: Disseminated varicella zoster infection has only rarely been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, despite the frequent use of azathioprine for this disorder. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 18-year-old woman who developed severe varicella zoster pneumonia 9 months after starting azathioprine for Crohn's disease. The patient recovered after prompt treatment with acyclovir and discontinuation of the azathioprine. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies concerning the treatment and the prevention of varicella infection in the immunocompromised patient are discussed.
INTRODUCTION: Disseminated varicella zoster infection has only rarely been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, despite the frequent use of azathioprine for this disorder. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 18-year-old woman who developed severe varicella zoster pneumonia 9 months after starting azathioprine for Crohn's disease. The patient recovered after prompt treatment with acyclovir and discontinuation of the azathioprine. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies concerning the treatment and the prevention of varicella infection in the immunocompromised patient are discussed.
Authors: Yoon Suk Jung; Jung Ho Park; Hong Joo Kim; Yong Kyun Cho; Chong Il Sohn; Woo Kyu Jeon; Byung Ik Kim; Dong Il Park Journal: Gut Liver Date: 2014-05 Impact factor: 4.519