2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A
Haemorrhagic varicella in a 4-year-old child: A rare and severe complication of a common viral illness
Author(s)
Suresh Kumar Panuganti, Modi Sujeeth Kumar, Mohitha Sadu and Anthigani Roja Rani
Abstract
Haemorrhagic varicella is a rare but serious complication of varicella (chickenpox), especially in immunocompromised children, but it can also occur in previously healthy individuals. A 4-year-old girl presented with 5 days of fever, malaise and a worsening skin rash that began as varicella vesicles but turned hemorrhagic. She had no comorbidities and was immunized, but except for varicella. On admission, she was febrile (39.2 °C), irritable, with HR 122/min, RR 35/min, and BP 100/70 mmHg. Examination revealed hemorrhagic vesicles, purpura, hepatosplenomegaly, ascites and anasarca. Labs showed thrombocytopenia (5,000/mm³), anemia (Hb 10.1 g/dL), CRP 171 mg/L and Varicella IgM positivity. A diagnosis of hemorrhagic varicella was made. She was treated with IV acyclovir, platelet transfusion, and supportive care, and recovered fully by day 5. Early recognition and prompt antiviral therapy led to a favourable outcome. This case highlights the importance of awareness and timely management of varicella complications, particularly in pediatric patients.
Pages: 15-17 | Views: 216 | Downloads: 110
How to cite this article:
Suresh Kumar Panuganti, Modi Sujeeth Kumar, Mohitha Sadu, Anthigani Roja Rani. Haemorrhagic varicella in a 4-year-old child: A rare and severe complication of a common viral illness. Int J Paediatrics Geriatrics 2025;8(2):15-17. DOI:
10.33545/26643685.2025.v8.i2a.264
