Low Incidence of Varicella in Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Strategic Insights -

A new study has shed light on the risks associated with immune-modifying therapies in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin--Madison, the nationwide US commercial insurance claims database analysis examined the incidence of varicella (chickenpox) in 5,368 patients with IBD aged 21 years or younger, matched with a non-IBD cohort. The findings suggest that despite receiving immune-modifying therapy, pediatric patients with IBD exhibit a low incidence of varicella.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, a nationwide US commercial insurance claims database, to analyze patients with IBD aged 21 years or younger, matched with a non-IBD cohort.
  • The primary outcome was incidence of varicella, which was low in both groups (IBD: 0.570 vs non-IBD: 0.297 per 1,000 person-years, P = 0.23).
  • At year 4, cumulative varicella incidence was 0.27% for IBD and 0.18% for non-IBD (P = 0.24).
  • No hospitalizations or deaths occurred due to varicella in either group.
  • The researchers concluded that pediatric patients with IBD demonstrate low varicella incidence despite receiving immune-modifying therapy.
  • The study involved 5,368 patients with IBD and 5,368 non-IBD patients, making it a significant analysis of varicella incidence in IBD patients.

Statistics:

  • Varicella incidence was 0.570 per 1,000 person-years in the IBD group.
  • Varicella incidence was 0.297 per 1,000 person-years in the non-IBD group (P = 0.23).
  • Cumulative varicella incidence at year 4 was 0.27% for IBD and 0.18% for non-IBD (P = 0.24).

Sources:

  • "Low Incidence of Varicella in Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease." American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2025;120(9):2194-2197.
  • University of Wisconsin--Madison, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.