Acyclovir Suppression to Prevent Clinical Recurrences at Delivery After First Episode Genital Herpes in Pregnancy: An Open‐Label Trial

Abstract

Objective: To continue evaluation of the use of acyclovir suppression in late pregnancy after first episode genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, using an open-label study design. Methods: Ninety-six women diagnosed with genital herpes for the first time in the index pregnancy were prescribed suppressive acyclovir 400 mg orally three times daily from 36 weeks until delivery in an open-label fashion. Herpes cultures were obtained when patients presented for delivery. Vaginal delivery was permitted if no clinical recurrence was present; otherwise a Cesarean delivery was performed. NeonatalHSV cultures were obtained and infants were followed clinically. Rates of clinical and asymptomatic genital herpes recurrences and Cesarean delivery for genital herpes were measured, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: In 82 patients (85%) compliant with therapy, only 1% had clinical HSV recurrences at delivery. In an intent to treat analysis of the entire cohort, 4% had clinical recurrences (compared with 18–37% in historical controls). Asymptomatic shedding occurred in 1% of women without lesions at delivery. Two of the four clinical recurrences were HSV-culture positive. No significant maternal or fetal side-effects were observed. Conclusions: In clinical practice the majority of patients are compliant with acyclovir suppression at term. The therapy appears to be effective at reducing clinical recurrences after a first episode of genital herpes complicating a pregnancy.

Genital Herpes

“…Although all three agents are accepted to be safe, valacyclovir and famciclovir are not recommended for primary care due to insuicient data [49][50][51]. If the atack occurs during the irst or the second trimester, suppressive treatment with acyclovir may be started again from the 36th week until labor [52,53]. If the atack occurs during the third trimester, acyclovir administration should be continued until labor.…”

A Review of Antiviral and Antifungal Use and Safety during Pregnancy

“…Additional studies assessing the effects of acyclovir for viral suppression in late-term pregnancy (> 36 weeks) showed no evidence of adverse effects in neonates. 11,12,25 Based on the available information, acyclovir appears safe for use in pregnancy. Recommended dosing of acyclovir is included in Table 3.…”

Current management of Herpes simplex infection in pregnant women and their newborn infants: What's hot and what's not

“…Oral acyclovir given in the late third trimester has been suggested as a means of preventing recurrent genital HSV and possibly obviating the need for a cesarean section in women with genital herpes (9)(10)(11)(12). Pregnant women with first episode HSV infections appear to benefit from acyclovir suppressive therapy (200 mg four times daily, starting one week before confinement).…”