Acyclovir can reduce the number of days with fever in otherwise healthy children with chickenpox, but its effect on sores and itching is not yet certain

Klassen TP, Hartling L

Published Online:

January 19, 2011

Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by a virus. It begins with a fever, followed by a rash of red pimples which become itchy sores that form scabs. Chickenpox usually affects children from one to 14 years. In young babies, adults or people with impaired immune system, chickenpox is more severe. Treatments include lotions to relieve itchiness, paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and the antiviral drug acyclovir. The review of trials found that acyclovir reduces the number of days of fever from chickenpox in otherwise healthy children, usually without adverse effects. It is not clear whether it improves sores and itching.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Acyclovir has the potential to shorten the course of illness which may result in reduced costs and morbidity associated with chickenpox.

Objectives:

To examine the evidence evaluating the efficacy of acyclovir in alleviating symptoms of chickenpox and shortening the duration of illness.
To examine complications of chickenpox and adverse effects associated with acyclovir as reported in the relevant trials.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2008, issue 3) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialized Register, MEDLINE (1950 to Septemer Week 3, 2008), and EMBASE (1974 to September 2008). The reference lists of all relevant articles were reviewed.

Selection criteria:

Randomized controlled trials that evaluated otherwise healthy children zero to 18 years of age, with chickenpox.

Data collection and analysis:

Two review authors independently reviewed the studies for eligibility. Two review authors independently assessed methodological quality of the relevant studies using the Jadad scale and allocation concealment. Differences were resolved by consensus. Data were extracted by one review author using a structured form and checked by a second.

Continuous data were converted to the weighted mean difference (WMD). Weighted mean differences were combined into an overall estimate using random effects. There were too few studies to consider exploring statistical heterogeneity between studies (i.e., differences in reported effects), formally, or to assess for publication bias.

Main results:

Three studies were included. Study quality was three (n = 2) and four (n = 1) on the Jadad scale. Acyclovir was associated with a reduction in the number of days with fever (-1.1 days, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.9) and in reducing the maximum number of lesions (-76 lesions, -145 to -8). Results were less supportive with respect to the number of days to no new lesions and the number of days to the relief of itching. There were no clinically important differences between acyclovir and placebo with respect to complications associated with chickenpox or adverse effects associated with the treatment.

Authors' conclusions:

Acyclovir appears to be effective in reducing the number of days with fever and the maximum number of lesions among otherwise healthy children with chickenpox. The results were less convincing with respect to the number of days to no new lesions and relief of itchiness. The clinical importance of acyclovir treatment in otherwise healthy children remains uncertain.

This record should be cited as:

Klassen TP, Hartling L. Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002980. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002980.pub3

Assessed as up to date:

September 28, 2008

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Primary Review Group:

Acute Respiratory Infections Group

Health topics:

Ear, nose, & throat > Larynx > Croup/epiglottitis

Infectious disease > Respiratory infections > Croup/epiglottitis

Infectious disease > Respiratory infections > Varicella (chickenpox)

Lungs & airways > Respiratory infections > Croup/epiglottitis

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Acyclovir can reduce the number of days with fever in otherwise healthy children with chickenpox, but its effect on sores and itching is not yet certain

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