Abnormalities of Respiratory Function in Varicella Pneumonia

Abstract

Respiratory function during and after varicella infection in adults was measured in ten patients with primary varicella pneumonia, four with histories suggestive of varicella pneumonia and seven with varicella without pneumonia. Alveolar-capillary gas exchange was abnormal in persons with acute varicella pneumonia and also in those with histories suggestive of this condition. This defect persisted long beyond clinical recovery and radiographic clearing. The resting diffusion capacity in adults with varicella without pneumonia did not differ from the control subjects. Ventilatory function in acute varicella pneumonia was normal.