Smallpox complications: Difference between revisions

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Complications of smallpox arise most commonly in the [[respiratory system]] and range from simple [[bronchitis]] to fatal [[pneumonia]]. Respiratory complications tend to develop on about the eighth day of the illness and can be either viral or bacterial in origin. Secondary [[bacterial]] infection of the [[skin]] is a relatively uncommon complication of smallpox. When this occurs, the fever usually remains elevated.
Complications of smallpox arise most commonly in the [[respiratory system]] and range from simple [[bronchitis]] to fatal [[pneumonia]]. Respiratory complications tend to develop on about the eighth day of the illness and can be either viral or bacterial in origin. Secondary [[bacterial]] infection of the [[skin]] is a relatively uncommon complication of smallpox. When this occurs, the fever usually remains elevated.
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Other complications include [[encephalitis]] (1 in 500 patients), which is more common in adults and may cause temporary disability; permanent pitted [[scars]], most notably on the face; and complications involving the eyes (2% of all cases). [[Pustules]] can form on the [[eyelid]], [[conjunctiva]], and [[cornea]], leading to complications such as [[conjunctivitis]], [[keratitis]], [[corneal ulcer]], [[iritis]], [[iridocylcitis]], and optic [[atrophy]]. [[Blindness]] results in approximately 35% to 40% of eyes affected with keratitis and corneal ulcer. [[Hemorrhagic]] smallpox can cause subconjunctival and [[retinal]] hemorrhages. In 2% to 5% of young children with smallpox, [[virions]] reach the [[joints]] and [[bone]], causing [[osteomyelitis]] variolosa. Lesions are symmetrical, most common in the [[elbows]], [[tibia]], and [[fibula]], and characteristically cause separation of an [[epiphysis]] and marked [[periosteal]] reactions. [[Swollen]] joints limit movement, and [[arthritis]] may lead to [[limb]] deformities, [[ankylosis]], malformed bones, [[flail joints]], and stubby [[fingers]].
Other complications include [[encephalitis]] (1 in 500 patients), which is more common in adults and may cause temporary disability; permanent pitted [[scars]], most notably on the face; and complications involving the eyes (2% of all cases). [[Pustules]] can form on the [[eyelid]], [[conjunctiva]], and [[cornea]], leading to complications such as [[conjunctivitis]], [[keratitis]], [[corneal ulcer]], [[iritis]], [[iridocylcitis]], and optic [[atrophy]]. [[Blindness]] results in approximately 35% to 40% of eyes affected with keratitis and corneal ulcer. [[Hemorrhagic]] smallpox can cause subconjunctival and [[retinal]] hemorrhages. In 2% to 5% of young children with smallpox, [[virions]] reach the [[joints]] and [[bone]], causing [[osteomyelitis]] variolosa. Lesions are symmetrical, most common in the [[elbows]], [[tibia]], and [[fibula]], and characteristically cause separation of an [[epiphysis]] and marked [[periosteal]] reactions. [[Swollen]] joints limit movement, and [[arthritis]] may lead to [[limb]] deformities, [[ankylosis]], malformed bones, [[flail joints]], and stubby [[fingers]].

Latest revision as of 18:25, 3 April 2012

Complications of smallpox arise most commonly in the respiratory system and range from simple bronchitis to fatal pneumonia. Respiratory complications tend to develop on about the eighth day of the illness and can be either viral or bacterial in origin. Secondary bacterial infection of the skin is a relatively uncommon complication of smallpox. When this occurs, the fever usually remains elevated.

Other complications include encephalitis (1 in 500 patients), which is more common in adults and may cause temporary disability; permanent pitted scars, most notably on the face; and complications involving the eyes (2% of all cases). Pustules can form on the eyelid, conjunctiva, and cornea, leading to complications such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcer, iritis, iridocylcitis, and optic atrophy. Blindness results in approximately 35% to 40% of eyes affected with keratitis and corneal ulcer. Hemorrhagic smallpox can cause subconjunctival and retinal hemorrhages. In 2% to 5% of young children with smallpox, virions reach the joints and bone, causing osteomyelitis variolosa. Lesions are symmetrical, most common in the elbows, tibia, and fibula, and characteristically cause separation of an epiphysis and marked periosteal reactions. Swollen joints limit movement, and arthritis may lead to limb deformities, ankylosis, malformed bones, flail joints, and stubby fingers.

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