Septic Shock Following Chickenpox in Pediatrics: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Document Type : case report

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Lung Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Neonatal Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Chickenpox is a viral disease that is benign and self-limiting, known for its skin rash appearance. Musculoskeletal complications, such as septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, are uncommon. Clinicians must be aware of bone pain complaints throughout the disease progression and pay attention to potential manifestations of septic arthritis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic prescription can be crucial in preventing surgical interventions and reducing risks.
Case Presentation: A 6-year-old boy with varicella zoster was referred to the hospital due to swelling, pain, and redness in his right groin. The patient was unable to stand. Over the past 9 days, papulovesicular lesions had spread across his body, and when he went to the hospital, all the lesions had crusted over. Pain, swelling of the joint, limited hip joint movement, examination of synovial fluid, and increased inflammatory markers like Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocytosis led to the diagnosis of septic arthritis. In this case, septic arthritis and cellulitis of the thigh, both presenting as septic shock, occurred simultaneously.
Conclusion: In cases of chicken pox-associated arthritis, even in immunocompetent individuals, severe septic arthritis should be considered as a possible complication. To prevent severe complications associated with septic arthritis, early diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate management are crucial.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Pediatric Perspectives
Volume 13, Issue 7
July 2025
Pages 19579-19586

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