Which is NOT a complication of chicken pox/ varicella: September 2012
**Question:** Which is NOT a complication of chicken pox/varicella?
**Core Concept:** Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which belongs to the herpesviridae family. The infection typically presents with a vesicular rash, fever, and malaise. Complications of chickenpox can arise due to the virus's ability to affect various organs and systems.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **Option B: Acute renal failure** because acute renal failure is a rare complication of chickenpox and is usually associated with severe dehydration or other concurrent illnesses. While chickenpox can cause complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis, acute renal failure is not a typical complication of the infection itself.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
**Option A: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)** is incorrect because ARDS is a complication of severe pneumonia, sepsis, or other conditions that cause inflammation and damage to the alveoli in the lungs. Although chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, ARDS is not a direct complication of the virus itself.
**Option C: Acute renal failure** is incorrect as mentioned above. Acute renal failure is usually secondary to dehydration or other concurrent illnesses. It is not a direct complication of chickenpox.
**Option D: Acute renal failure** is also incorrect, as explained above.
**Clinical Pearl:** While complications of chickenpox are relatively rare, it is essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of potential sequelae. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure are more common complications associated with severe chickenpox, rather than direct complications of the virus itself.
**Correct Answer:** None of the above (Option N/A)
**Explanation:** None of the options provided are correct complications of chickenpox, as the correct answer is Option B: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Acute renal failure (Options A, C, and D) is not a direct complication of chickenpox but rather a complication of severe infections or dehydration.