Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections

Semin Perinatol. 2018 Apr;42(3):168-175. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.02.004. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Abstract

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an uncommon but devastating infection in the newborn, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The use of PCR for identification of infected infants and acyclovir for treatment has significantly improved the prognosis for affected infants. The subsequent use of suppressive therapy with oral acyclovir following completion of parenteral treatment of acute disease has further enhanced the long-term prognosis for these infants. This review article will discuss the epidemiology, risk factors and routes of acquisition, clinical presentation, and evaluation of an infant suspected to have the infection, and treatment of proven neonatal HSV disease.

Keywords: Acyclovir; HSV; Neonatal; PCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cesarean Section
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / prevention & control
  • Extraction, Obstetrical
  • Extraembryonic Membranes
  • Female
  • Herpes Genitalis / diagnosis
  • Herpes Genitalis / transmission
  • Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
  • Herpes Simplex / prevention & control
  • Herpes Simplex / transmission
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical*
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / diagnosis
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / drug therapy
  • Keratitis, Herpetic / prevention & control
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Liver Failure / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Prognosis
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Diseases, Viral / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Viral / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Viral / prevention & control
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir

Supplementary concepts

  • Neonatal herpes