Intrauterine herpes simplex infections

Abstract

Most dermatologists are familiar with the manifestations of neonatal herpes simplex infections. Few, however, are acquainted with the concept of intrauterine herpes simplex infections. This article describes two additional cases of intrauterine herpes simplex infections with congenital malformations. Common features included intrauterine growth retardation, microcephaly, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, psychomotor retardation, and recurrent, grouped, cutaneous vesicles. Seven similar cases with congenital malformations are reviewed as well as cases of intrauterine herpes simplex infection without congenital malformations. We propose that intrauterine herpes simplex infections be termed "early" when there is evidence of disturbed embryogenesis or "late" when congenital malformations are less specific or inapparent. We further suggest that the spectrum of intrauterine infections is similar to that of neonatally acquired infections.