In utero infection of the fetus by herpes simplex virus

Background Intrauterine herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection often is omitted from descriptions of neonatal HSV disease. Previous characterizations of intrauterine HSV infection limit manifestations to the triad of cutaneous, central nervous system (CNS), and ophthalmologic findings. We report 3 cases of intrauterine HSV infection and provide a contemporary literature review of this disease. Methods Cases published between 1963 and January 2009 were identified. Selected cases fit the clinical description of intrauterine HSV infection, had manifestations present at birth, and had virologic confirmation of infection. Results This review yielded 64 cases, 3 of which were our own, of intrauterine HSV infection. Less than one-third fit the typical triad. Of the patients with cutaneous findings at birth, 24 (44%) had manifestations other than vesicles or bullae. Confirmation of HSV infection by culture of cutaneous lesions present at birth was delayed beyond 72 hours after birth in 15 patients and occurred at a median of 10 days of age. Nine of these patients had lesions at birth that were neither vesicles nor bullae, and 14 cases were confirmed by culture of new vesicles. Conclusions More than two-thirds of reported cases do not present with the typical triad. Cutaneous findings are not limited to vesicles or bullae. A high index of suspicion and recognition of varied cutaneous manifestations is necessary to diagnose infants with intrauterine HSV infection.

show abstract

“…22 Of the survivors for whom outcome was reported, 13 patients had developmental delay and 8 were well at 6 months of age. 9–11,14,24,37,38 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Report of Three Cases and Review of Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Marquez¹,

Levy²,

Muñoz³

et al. 2011

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

101

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…A search of the literature did not uncover any similar study with which to compare these results, but a number of workers have measured xylose absorption in patients with anaemia due to various causes and after correction of anaemia (Varito, 1962;Guha and Rashmi, 1968;Mathan, 1970). In most patients they found rather low initial values which showed a rise after correction of the anaemia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arterial Oxygen Desaturation and Intestinal Absorption of Xylose

Milledge¹

1972

BMJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…>(}% of cases, usually clusters of vesicles, but sometimes bullae (7), ulcers, scarred areas, or a generalized erythematous macular exaothem (8). Occasionally, skin involvement may occur without other detectable complications (8)(9)(10).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Congenital Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Glover¹,

Atherton²

1987

Pediatric Dermatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We treated a newborn who had congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection in which extensive skin lesions occurred with no evidence of involvement of other organs. The correct diagnosis was not made until the fifth day of life, but after effective treatment with intravenous acyclovir this child has remained in perfect health. At his last evaluation at age 18 months, he had no neurologic or ophthalmologic abnormalities. This report should alert pediatricians and dermatologists to the occasional occurrence of herpes simplex virus infection in apparently healthy neonates and the importance of making an early diagnosis so that death and severe handicap can be avoided.

show abstract

In utero infection of the fetus by herpes simplex virus

Cited by 7 publications

References 8 publications

A Report of Three Cases and Review of Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

A Report of Three Cases and Review of Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Arterial Oxygen Desaturation and Intestinal Absorption of Xylose

Congenital Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About