Immunization of children with congenital epidermolysis bullosa against Varicella‑zoster virus: results of prospective study

Severe chickenpox (CP) may occur in immunocompromised patients. The most common complication of chickenpox is bacterial superinfection. In children with congenital epidermolysis bullosa (CEB), infection with Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) increases the risk of skin infectious complications, and also aggravates the course of the underlying disease.
Purpose of the study. To study the safety and efficacy of varicella vaccination in patients with CEB. Based on the data obtained, develop clinical guidelines for immunization of this category of patients against the VZV.
Methods. A group of children was formed with an established diagnosis of CEB and who had previously received the first dose of the varicella vaccine. During the study, immunization with a second dose of vaccine against CP was carried out. Tolerability of vaccination was assessed by the number of adverse events in the post-vaccination period. The assessment of the immune response of the participants was determined by the level of serum IgG antibodies to VZV by enzyme immunoassay.
Results. The study included 23 children with CEB who were immunized with a second dose of varicella vaccine. In all patients, after the introduction of the vaccine, there were no serious post-vaccination reactions and worsening of the underlying disease in the post-vaccination period. In 22 (96%) study participants, IgG to VZV was detected, indicating seroconversion.
Conclusions. The results of the work showed a good safety and efficacy profile of the vaccine, which makes it possible to develop recommendations for vaccinating children with CEB against the VZV.

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