Recurrence Rate and Outcome of Varicella-Associated Childhood Stroke: A Nationwide Population-Based Study and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

We performed a nationwide cohort study and systematic review to examine recurrence rate and clinical outcome in children with varicella-associated arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

The cohort study included children with varicella-associated AIS (varicella <12 months before stroke and/or confirmed varicella-zoster virus in cerebrospinal fluid) and was conducted in Denmark, a country without universal varicella-vaccination. The children were identified by searching the Danish National Patient Registry (2011-2020) and by registration of children assessed through a regional stroke triage-setup (2021-2023). Clinical data were extracted from medical records. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. PubMed and Embase were searched for studies published from January 1, 2000, to June 26, 2023, reporting on recurrence rate in children (age < 18 years) with varicella-associated AIS.

RESULTS

In the cohort study, varicella-associated AIS was present in 32 of 181 (17.7%) children with AIS. Thirty-two children were treated with aspirin, 30 (93.8%) with antivirals, and 21 (65.6%) with steroids. Angiography descriptions were retrieved in 30 children and showed unifocal or multifocal stenoses in 12 (40%). Within median follow-up of 5.2 years, two (6.3%) children experienced stroke recurrence. Long-term deficits were observed in 21 (65.6%) children, but 29 (90.6%) achieved good functional outcomes. The systematic review yielded three eligible studies, including a total of 68 children. Reported recurrence rates ranged from 9.1 to 45.5% across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that varicella-zoster virus is an important AIS risk factor associated with a high risk of neurological deficits but a good functional outcome and low recurrence risk. Reported recurrence rates vary across the literature, likely reflecting small sample sizes but also differences in methodology and secondary prevention.