OBJECTIVES: Currently there is limited information available on the burden of varicella in Argentina. The objectives of this study are to examine the healthcare resource utilization associated with varicella and varicella-related complications in Argentina. METHODS: This multicenter observational study utilized a retrospective chart review design among seven nationally representative hospitals to identify patients who were primarily diagnosed with varicella at the age of 1-12 years, and were admitted to the hospitals for varicella during 2009-2014. Descriptive analyses were applied to examine frequency and duration of healthcare resource utilization associated with varicella and varicella-related complications. RESULTS: The total study population consisted of 75 patients who were admitted to hospital due to varicella (mean age 3.4 years old), with 92.0% (n=69) hospitalized and 8.0% (n=6) admitted into intensive care unit (ICU). The majority of patients (98.7%) hospitalized for varicella were diagnosed with varicella-related complications, with 78.4% having one and 21.6% having more than one complications. The most common complication was skin and soft tissue infection (63.5%), followed by pneumonia (7.3%) and sepsis (5.2%). The average hospitalization days for these varicella inpatients who were admitted to the hospital were 5 days, and for those admitted into ICU were 6 days. Among these varicella inpatient cases, more than two-thirds (77.3%) received prescription medications or treatment, with an average of 2.2 prescriptions and 10.1 days treatment. In addition, 70.7% patients received at least one type of lab tests or procedures, and 33.3% patients consulted with allied medical professionals.     CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the substantial healthcare resource utilization associated with varicella and highlights the significant economic burden of varicella in Argentina.