Quality of life in caregivers of children with asthma: Validity and reliability of the IFABI-R questionnaire

BACKGROUND: Parents'/caregivers' quality of life is an important aspect to consider when handling paediatric asthma, but there is a paucity of valid and reliable instruments to measure it. The Family Impact of Childhood Bronchial Asthma (IFABI-R) is a recently developed questionnaire to facilitate the assessment of asthma-related parents'/caregivers' quality of life. This study researches the psychometric properties of IFABI-R. METHODS: Parents/main caregivers of 462 children between 4 and 14 years of age with active asthma were included in the sample. IFABI-R was administered on two different occasions and a number of other variables related to the parents'/caregivers' quality of life were measured: child's asthma control, family functioning, and parents'/caregivers' perception of asthma symptoms in the child. IFABI-R evaluative and discriminative properties were analysed, and the minimal important change in the IFABI-R score was identified. RESULTS: IFABI-R showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.941), cross-sectional construct validity (correlation with the degree of child's asthma control, family functioning and parent/caregiver perception of the child's asthma symptoms), longitudinal construct validity (correlation of changes in the IFABI-R with changes in asthma control and changes in the perception of symptoms), sensitivity to change and test-retest reliability. An absolute change of 0.3 units in IFABI-R related to a minimal significant change in the parents'/caregivers' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: IFABI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to study the quality of life of parents/caregivers of children with asthma

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Quality of life in caregivers of children with asthma: Validity and reliability of the IFABI-R questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Parents'/caregivers' quality of life is an important aspect to consider when handling paediatric asthma, but there is a paucity of valid and reliable instruments to measure it. The Family Impact of Childhood Bronchial Asthma (IFABI-R) is a recently developed questionnaire to facilitate the assessment of asthma-related parents'/caregivers' quality of life. This study researches the psychometric properties of IFABI-R. METHODS: Parents/main caregivers of 462 children between 4 and 14 years of age with active asthma were included in the sample. IFABI-R was administered on two different occasions and a number of other variables related to the parents'/caregivers' quality of life were measured: child's asthma control, family functioning, and parents'/caregivers' perception of asthma symptoms in the child. IFABI-R evaluative and discriminative properties were analysed, and the minimal important change in the IFABI-R score was identified. RESULTS: IFABI-R showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.941), cross-sectional construct validity (correlation with the degree of child's asthma control, family functioning and parent/caregiver perception of the child's asthma symptoms), longitudinal construct validity (correlation of changes in the IFABI-R with changes in asthma control and changes in the perception of symptoms), sensitivity to change and test-retest reliability. An absolute change of 0.3 units in IFABI-R related to a minimal significant change in the parents'/caregivers' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: IFABI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to study the quality of life of parents/caregivers of children with asthma.

Evaluación de la intervención terapéutica realizada en un centro de recuperación nutricional infantil de Nicaragua / Assessment of the intervention in a therapeutic feeding center for children in Nicaragua

Introducción: La desnutrición infantil conlleva una elevada morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. Los centros de recuperación nutricional son fundamentales en el tratamiento de los niños desnutridos. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la intervención terapéutica realizada en menores de 5 años con desnutrición aguda en un Centro de Recuperación Nutricional. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo mediante revisión de historias clínicas de menores de 5 años ingresados en el Centro de Recuperación Nutricional Infantil de Matagalpa, Nicaragua, entre Enero de 2006 y Julio de 2010. Resultados: La mediana de edad al ingreso fue de 17,2 meses (p25:10,7-p75:27,2), y la de estancia en el centro de 92 días (p25:61,5-p75:134,5). El grado de desnutrición aguda al ingreso fue: grave en el 45% de niños, moderado en el 24% y con riesgo de desnutrición en el 31%. El 86% de los niños al alta presentaba una nutrición correcta. La mediana de porcentaje de ganancia ponderal en el primer mes de estancia fue del 15% (p25:12,6-p75:17,4). La mediana de gramos ganados/kg/día fue de 3,7 (p25:2,6-p75:5,4), siendo mayor en menores de 6 meses (4,6 g/kg/día; p25:4,3-p75: 7,5). La tasa de niños curados fue del 87,5%, la tasa de fallecidos 0% y la tasa de abandonos 9%. Discusión: El centro evaluado funciona correctamente, y supera los indicadores de calidad recomendados internacionalmente. Sin embargo, quedan lejos las recomendaciones de una estancia promedio de 1-2 meses y de una ganancia ponderal promedio de 8 g/kg/día. Por tanto, el Centro de Recuperación Nutricional realiza una intervención efectiva, pero no eficiente (AU)

Introduction: Child malnutrition carries a high morbimortality worldwide. Therapeutic feeding centers are essential in the treatment of malnourished children. 
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention in under-5 undernourished children in a Therapeutic Feeding Center. Methods: A retrospective descriptive research was made through the revision of the clinical histories of children under 5 years that entered the Nutritional Recovery Center for Children in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, from January 2006 to July 2010. Results: Median age at admission was 17.2 months (p25:10.7-p75:27.2) and median stay in the center was 92 days (p25:61.5-p75:134.5). Prevalence of patients with severe acute malnutrition was 45%, moderate acute malnutrition 24% and risk for malnutrition 31%. At discharge 86% of patients were properly nourished. Median weight gain percentage after the first month in the center was 15% (p25:12.6-p75:17.4). Median weight gain was 3.7 g/kg/day (p25:2.6-p75:5.4), being higher in children under 6 months (4.6 g/kg/day; p25:4.3-p75:7.5). Cured rate in the center was 87.5%, being the death rate 0% and the abandonment rate 9%. Discussion: The center evaluated works adequately, and fulfills the internationally recommended quality indicators. However, recommended average stay of 1-2 months and average weight gain of 8 g/kg/day are far of being fulfilled. Therefore, the Nutritional Recovery Center performs an effective intervention, but it's not efficient enough (AU)

[Assessment of the intervention in a therapeutic feeding center for children in Nicaragua]. / Evaluación de la intervención terapéutica realizada en un centro de recuperación nutricional infantil de Nicaragua.

INTRODUCTION: Child malnutrition carries a high morbimortality worldwide. Therapeutic feeding centers are essential in the treatment of malnourished children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention in under-5 undernourished children in a Therapeutic Feeding Center. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive research was made through the revision of the clinical histories of children under 5 years that entered the Nutritional Recovery Center for Children in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, from January 2006 to July 2010. RESULTS: Median age at admission was 17.2 months (p25:10.7-p75:27.2) and median stay in the center was 92 days (p25:61.5-p75:134.5). Prevalence of patients with severe acute malnutrition was 45%, moderate acute malnutrition 24% and risk for malnutrition 31%. At discharge 86% of patients were properly nourished. Median weight gain percentage after the first month in the center was 15% (p25:12.6-p75:17.4). Median weight gain was 3.7 g/kg/day (p25:2.6-p75:5.4), being higher in children under 6 months (4.6 g/kg/day; p25:4.3-p75:7.5). Cured rate in the center was 87.5%, being the death rate 0% and the abandonment rate 9%. DISCUSSION: The center evaluated works adequately, and fulfills the internationally recommended quality indicators. However, recommended average stay of 1-2 months and average weight gain of 8 g/kg/day are far of being fulfilled. Therefore, the Nutritional Recovery Center performs an effective intervention, but it's not efficient enough.

Convulsión focal en paciente de 8 años / Focal convulsion in an 8-year-old boy

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[Perinatal outcomes in immigrant women]. / Resultados perinatales de las gestantes inmigrantes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of immigrant women's newborns in our environment, and to compare them with those of native women's newborns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All newborns attended in the Neonatology Section of Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Spain, in 2003 and 2004 were included (n 5 2,735). Data were prospectively collected in a database. Pregnant immigrant women were classified in 6 regions (Eastern Europe, the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and other countries). Twelve diagnoses were defined and compared between native newborns and those of immigrant parents, and their relative risks were calculated. RESULTS: There were 1,296 native newborns (47.8 %) and 1,416 of immigrant origin (52.2 %). Immigrant women showed a higher rate of HBsAg carrier status (2.0 % versus 1.0 %) and a lower rate of hepatitis C virus infection (0.8 % vs 2.0 %; p < 0.01). There was only one HIV-positive pregnant immigrant woman compared with 14 Spanish women (p < 0.01), and drug use was lower in the immigrant group (0.4 % vs 4.0 %; p < 0.01). Immigrant newborns had a lower rate of prematurity (6.0 % vs 7.6 %) and of low birthweight (2.3 % vs 4.6 %; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the rate of respiratory distress or fetal acidosis. The incidence of neonatal infection risk was higher in immigrant newborns (49.9 % vs 40.6 %; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our environment, immigrant mothers' newborns have better perinatal outcomes than native newborns. The most frequent complications are secondary to an inadequate.

Resultados perinatales de las gestantes inmigrantes / Perinatal outcomes in immigrant women

Objetivos Conocer las características de los recién nacidos de las gestantes inmigrantes atendidas en nuestro medio y compararlas con las de los recién nacidos de madre autóctona. Pacientes y métodos Se incluyen los recién nacidos atendidos en la Sección de Neonatología del Hospital del Mar de Barcelona en los años 2003 y 2004 (n 5 2.735). Los datos eran recogidos de forma prospectiva en una base de datos. Las gestantes inmigrantes se clasificaron en 6 regiones (Europa del Este, resto de Europa, África, Asia, América Latina y otras). Se establecieron 12 diagnósticos que se compararon entre recién nacidos autóctonos e inmigrantes, y se calculó el riesgo relativo de éstos. Resultados Hubo 1.296 recién nacidos autóctonos (47,8 %) y 1.416 inmigrantes (52,2 %). Las gestantes inmigrantes presentaban mayor incidencia de estado portador de antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B (HBsAg) (2,0 % frente al 1,0 %) y menor de anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis C (AcVHC) (0,8 % frente al 2,0 %; p < 0,01). Sólo hubo una gestante inmigrante positiva al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), frente a 14 españolas (p < 0,01), y el consumo de drogas era menor en las inmigrantes (0,4 % frente al 4,0 %; p < 0,01). Los recién nacidos inmigrantes tenían menos incidencia de prematuridad (6,0 % frente al 7,6 %) y de bajo peso (2,3 % frente al 4,6 %; p < 0,01). No hubo diferencias significativas de distrés respiratorio ni de acidosis fetal. La incidencia de riesgo de infección neonatal era mayor en los recién nacidos inmigrantes (49,9 % frente al 40,6 %; p < 0,01). Conclusiones Los recién nacidos de madre inmigrante presentan en nuestro medio mejores resultados perinatales que los autóctonos, siendo las complicaciones más frecuentes secundarias a un control prenatal inadecuado

Objectives To describe the characteristics of immigrant women's newborns in our environment, and to compare them with those of native women's newborns. Patients and methods All newborns attended in the Neonatology Section of Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Spain, in 2003 and 2004 were included (n 5 2,735). Data were prospectively collected in a database. Pregnant immigrant women were classified in 6 regions (Eastern Europe, the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and other countries). Twelve diagnoses were defined and compared between native newborns and those of immigrant parents, and their relative risks were calculated. Results There were 1,296 native newborns (47.8 %) and 1,416 of immigrant origin (52.2 %). Immigrant women showed a higher rate of HBsAg carrier status (2.0 % versus 1.0 %) and a lower rate of hepatitis C virus infection (0.8 % vs 2.0 %; p < 0.01). There was only one HIV-positive pregnant immigrant woman compared with 14 Spanish women (p < 0.01), and drug use was lower in the immigrant group (0.4 % vs 4.0 %; p < 0.01). Immigrant newborns had a lower rate of prematurity (6.0 % vs 7.6 %) and of low birthweight (2.3 % vs 4.6 %; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the rate of respiratory distress or fetal acidosis. The incidence of neonatal infection risk was higher in immigrant newborns (49.9 % vs 40.6 %; p < 0.01). Conclusions In our environment, immigrant mothers' newborns have better perinatal outcomes than native newborns. The most frequent complications are secondary to an inadequate

Humoral immunity in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer and its treatment are a major cause of secondary immunodeficiency in childhood. Leukaemias are the most frequent pediatric neoplastic diseases and 80 % are lymphoblastic (ALL). The objectives of this study are to describe the epidemiology of children with ALL in our hospital and to analyse the evolution of immunoglobulins' concentration at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and after finishing it. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective study of patients with ALL treated with the SHOP-LAL-94 protocol. 50 patients were studied. Patients were classified in three groups: ALL- cell line B, ALL-cell line B with relapse, and ALL-cell line T. We analysed clinical data and laboratory results (IgG, IgA and IgM concentration) at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and until 12 months after it.1. ALL-B: 44 patients. At the onset all patients, but a newborn with congenital leukaemia, had normal immunoglobulins. During treatment there was a significant decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration, being IgM the most affected (65 % of patients), followed by IgG (53 % of patients). The mean normalization time of immunoglobulins was 12 months.2. ALL-B with relapse: 7 patients. At relapse 2 patients had an IgM deficit and 1 overall immunoglobulin deficiency. During treatment there was a decrease in all immunoglobulins, which was significant for IgG. IgG and IgM decreased in all patients during relapse's treatment. There were 5 deaths, all with IgM < 186 mg/L.3. ALL-T: 6 patients, one died 3 days after diagnosis. At the onset all patients had normal immunoglobulins. Two patients had a favourable evolution, having a decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration during treatment, significant for IgM, with normalization 6 months after treatment. The rest 3 patients relapsed and died, having a global immunoglobulins'deficit during treatment and previous to death. CONCLUSIONS: At ALL's onset immunoglobulins' concentration is normal. During treatment the majority of patients have immunoglobulins' deficiency, being IgG and IgM the most affected immunoglobulins. A persistent IgM deficit is associated in our series with a higher risk of relapse and death. In patients with a good outcome immunoglobulins normalize before one year after treatment.

Humoral immunity in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Background: Cancer and its treatment are a major cause of secondary immunodeficiency in childhood. Leukaemias are the most frequent pediatric neoplastic diseases and 80 % are lymphoblastic (ALL). The objectives of this study are to describe the epidemiology of children with ALL in our hospital and to analyse the evolution of immunoglobulins' concentration at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and after finishing it. Methods and results: Retrospective study of patients with ALL treated with the SHOP-LAL-94 protocol. 50 patients were studied. Patients were classified in three groups: ALL- cell line B, ALL-cell line B with relapse, and ALL-cell line T. We analysed clinical data and laboratory results (IgG, IgA and IgM concentration) at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and until 12 months after it. 1. ALL-B: 44 patients. At the onset all patients, but a newborn with congenital leukaemia, had normal immunoglobulins. During treatment there was a significant decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration, being IgM the most affected (65 % of patients), followed by IgG (53 % of patients). The mean normalization time of immunoglobulins was 12 months. 2. ALL-B with relapse: 7 patients. At relapse 2 patients had an IgM deficit and 1 overall immunoglobulin deficiency. During treatment there was a decrease in all immunoglobulins, which was significant for IgG. IgG and IgM decreased in all patients during relapse's treatment. There were 5 deaths, all with IgM < 186 mg/L. 3. ALL-T: 6 patients, one died 3 days after diagnosis. At the onset all patients had normal immunoglobulins. Two patients had a favourable evolution, having a decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration during treatment, significant for IgM, with normalization 6 months after treatment. The rest 3 patients relapsed and died, having a global immunoglobulins'deficit during treatment and previous to death. Conclusions: At ALL's onset immunoglobulins' concentration is normal. During treatment the majority of patients have immunoglobulins' deficiency, being IgG and IgM the most affected immunoglobulins. A persistent IgM deficit is associated in our series with a higher risk of relapse and death. In patients with a good outcome immunoglobulins normalize before one year after treatment (AU)

Antecedentes: El cáncer y su tratamiento son una causa importante de inmunodeficiencia secundaria en la infancia. Las leucemias son las neoplasias pediátricas más frecuentes y un 80 por ciento son linfoblásticas (LAL). Los objetivos de este estudio son describir la epidemiología de los niños con LAL de nuestro medio y analizar la evolución de la concentración de inmunoglobulinas al comienzo de la leucemia, durante su tratamiento y al finalizarlo. Métodos y resultados: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con LAL tratados según el protocolo SHOP-LAL-94. Se analizaron 50 pacientes que se clasificaron en 3 grupos: LAL de línea B, LAL de línea B con recaída, y LAL de línea T. Se recogieron datos clínicos y de laboratorio (concentración de IgG, IgA e IgM) al manifestarse la enfermedad, durante su tratamiento y hasta 12 meses después.1. LAL-B: 44 pacientes. Al inicio todos los pacientes, excepto un neonato con leucemia congénita, presentaron inmunoglobulinas normales. Durante el tratamiento hubo una disminución significativa en la concentración de inmunoglobulinas, siendo la IgM la más afectada (65 por ciento de pacientes), seguida de la IgG (53 por ciento de pacientes). El tiempo medio de normalización de los valores de inmunoglobulinas fue de 12 meses.2. Recaída LAL-B: 7 pacientes. En la recaída 2 pacientes presentaron déficit de IgM y 1 déficit global de inmunoglobulinas. Durante el tratamiento disminuyó la concentración de inmunoglobulinas, resultando significativo el descenso de IgG. En todos los pacientes hubo disminución de IgG e IgM. Hubo 5 exitus, todos con IgM < 186 mg/L.3. LAL-T: 6 pacientes, uno fallecido a los 3 días del diagnóstico. Al inicio todos los pacientes presentaron inmunoglobulinas normales. Dos pacientes evolucionaron favorablemente, presentando disminución en la concentración de inmunoglobulinas durante el tratamiento, que fue significativa para IgM, con recuperación de valores normales 6 meses después del tratamiento. Los restantes 3 pacientes presentaron recaída y fallecieron, presentando déficit global de inmunoglobulinas durante su tratamiento y antes de producirse la muerte. Conclusiones: En el inicio de las LAL la concentración de inmunoglobulinas es normal. Durante el tratamiento la mayoría de pacientes presentan déficit de inmunoglobulinas, siendo la IgG y la IgM las más afectadas. El déficit persistente de IgM se asocia en nuestra serie con un mayor riesgo de recidiva y exitus. En pacientes con evolución favorable las inmunoglobulinas se normalizan antes del año de finalizar el tratamiento (AU)

[First urinary tract infection in healthy infants: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment]. / Primera infección urinaria en el lactante sano: epidemiología y pautas de diagnóstico y tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in infants. It presents certain peculiarities compared with other pediatric age groups in terms of symptomatology, diagnosis and the therapeutic approach employed to prevent sequels. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory findings, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of first-time UTI in healthy infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January and December 1999, we performed a retrospective study of 131 previously healthy infants admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of first-time UTI. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, urine dipstick, urinalysis and urine culture (vesical catheterization), blood cell count and PCR, kidney ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrogram and DMSA scintigraphy were reviewed. RESULTS: We studied 131 patients (median age: 90 days). In infants younger than 30 days, UTI was more prevalent in males. The most frequent symptom was fever (73.3 %). Seventy-one patients fulfilled the criteria for acute pyelonephritis. The presence of nitrituria was low. Escherichia coli was isolated in 90.1 % of the patients. Voiding cystourethrogram detected vesicoureteric reflux in 18.4 % of the patients. Scintigraphy revealed renal scarring in 15.1 %. No significant correlations were found between renal scarring in late scintigraphy and a diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis and/or alterations in the cystourethrogram. CONCLUSIONS: Fever was the main symptom. E. coli was the most commonly isolated microorganism. Nitrituria had low sensitivity in infants. Ultrasonography had low specificity. Scintigraphy showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in the detection of renal scarring. Predictability improved when scintigraphy was performed a few months after acute infection.

Primera infección urinaria en el lactante sano: epidemiología y pautas de diagnóstico y tratamiento / First-time urinary tract infection in healthy infants: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment

Antecedentes: La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) es una de las infecciones bacterianas más comunes del lactante, que presenta unas peculiaridades respecto a otras edades pediátricas en cuanto a síntomas, diagnóstico y actitud terapéutica para la prevención de secuelas. Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología, hallazgos clínico-analíticos, etiología y procedimientos diagnóstico-terapéuticos en una primera ITU en el lactante sano. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 131 lactantes previamente sanos, ingresados en nuestro hospital por ITU entre enero y diciembre de 1999. Se recogieron filiación, síntomas, tira reactiva, sedimento de orina y urocultivo (sondaje uretral), determinaciones analíticas sanguíneas, ecografía renal, cistouretrografía miccional seriada (CUMS) y gammagrafía renal. Resultados: Se estudiaron 131 pacientes (mediana de edad 90 días). En las edades tempranas (menores de 30 días de vida) predominó el sexo masculino. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue la fiebre (73,3 %). Un total de 71 pacientes cumplían criterios de pielonefritis aguda (PNA). La presencia de nitrituria fue baja. Se aisló Escherichia coli en el 90,1%. La CUMS detectó reflujo vesicoureteral en el 18,4% de pacientes. En el 15,1% de pacientes se objetivó una cicatriz renal en la gammagrafía. No se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la detección de alteraciones en la gammagrafía renal tardía y el diagnóstico de PNA y/o alteraciones en la CUMS. Conclusiones: La fiebre fue el motivo principal de consulta. El germen más común fue E. coli. La nitrituria tiene una sensibilidad baja en lactantes. La ecografía es una prueba de reducida especificidad. El método más sensible y específico para la detección de lesiones renales es la gammagrafía renal. La predicibilidad de secuelas mejora si la gammagrafía se retrasa unos meses después de la infección (AU)

Varicela neonatal: a propósito de un caso con bronconeumonía y edema hemorrágico pulmonar / Neonatal varicella: report of a case of bronchopneumonia and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema

Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido, hijo de madre con varicela iniciada 20 días antes del parto, que presentó un deterioro brusco del estado general a las 2 h de vida, con cianosis, distrés respiratorio y emisión de espuma rosada por la boca. Fue diagnosticado de bronconeumonía bilateral de probable etiología varicelosa, con componente de edema hemorrágico pulmonar. Precisó ventilación mecánica y soporte inotrópico durante 48 h, respondiendo de forma favorable al tratamiento intravenoso con aciclovir. Se obtuvo positividad de proteína C reactiva (PCR)-virus de la varicela zoster (VHZ) en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y seroconversión de IgG anti-VHZ a los 10 días de vida (AU)

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[Neonatal varicella: report of a case of bronchopneumonia and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema]. / Varicela neonatal: a propósito de un caso con bronconeumonía y edema hemorrágico pulmonar.

We describe the case of a male newborn infant, whose mother developed varicella 20 days before delivery. At 2 hours of life the infant's general state suddenly deteriorated and he presented cyanosis, respiratory distress and emission of pink foam in his mouth. The infant was diagnosed with bilateral bronchopneumonia, of probable varicellosus etiology, with a component of hemorrhagic pulmonary edema. He required mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for 48 hours. Response to endovenous acyclovir was favorable. At 10 days of life varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in cerebrospinal fluid was detected by polymerase chain reaction and seroconversion of IgG anti-VZV was positive.