Severe Varicella Associated With Steroid Use

Abstract

Systemic corticosteroid use appears to increase substantially the risk of severe or fatal varicella. The timing of corticosteroid exposure, in addition to dose and duration, may be an important factor in determining vulnerability. Further studies are needed to determine whether short-course, low-dose, or inhaled steroids are associated with similarly increased risk. Physicians should be aware that varicella-susceptible patients receiving corticosteroids are at considerably increased risk for severe varicella and should consider how to counsel their patients.