Table 1 Characteristics of randomised controlled trials comparing acyclovir to placebo among immunocompetent children

Balfour 1990

102

50 – acyclovir

50 – placebo

5–16 years (8.1)

5–7 years: 20 mg/kg

7–12 years: 15 mg/kg

12–16 years: 10 mg/kg

4x/days for 5-7 days

• Days to fever, crusting, no

new lesions, maximum number

of lesions, decrease in number

of lesions and cessation of

itching

• Maximum number of lesions

4

Unclear

Dunkle 1991

815

408 – acyclovir

407 – placebo

2–12 years (5.2)

20 mg/kg 4×/day for 5 days

• Maximum number of lesions

• Number with >500 lesions

• Residual lesions at day 28

3

Unclear

Balfour 1992

62

31 – acyclovir

31 – placebo

13–18 years (14.8)

800 mg 4×/day for 5 days

• Days to maximum number of

lesions and cessation of

itching

• Maximum number of lesions

• Residual lesions at day 28

3

Unclear