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Procalcitonin may help differentiate disseminated herpes simplex viral infection from bacterial sepsis in neonates
M Hatherill1, K Sykes, A G McIntyre
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guy's Hospital, St. Thomas' Street, London SE1 9RT, UK.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 9, 2000
Abstract
Unlabelled:
Disseminated herpes simplex virus infection is a potentially fatal condition which may be difficult to differentiate from bacterial sepsis. We report the case of a neonate with overwhelming herpes simplex (type 2) viraemia who presented with 'septic shock'.
Conclusion:
A low procalcitonin level (1.6 ng/ml), inconsistent with bacteraemia, suggests an alternative aetiology and may strengthen the case for antiviral therapy.