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Severe neonatal enteroviral hepatitis treated with pleconaril
E Aradottir1, E M Alonso, S T Shulman
1Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Medical School, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 3, 2001
Summary
Pleconaril shows promise in treating severe neonatal enteroviral hepatitis, a condition with high mortality. Two of three infants with this critical liver condition recovered fully after treatment, suggesting potential for this antiviral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Neonatal enteroviral hepatitis is a severe condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Enteroviral infections, particularly echovirus, are a known cause of fulminant hepatic failure in neonates.
Observation:
- Three full-term neonates presented with severe enteroviral hepatitis, characterized by fulminant hepatic failure and coagulopathy.
- Maternal history of viral-like illness preceding delivery was noted in all cases.
- Echovirus was identified as the causative agent in all affected neonates.
Findings:
- Treatment with pleconaril (VP63843) at 5 mg/kg every 8 hours via nasogastric tube was administered under an open-label compassionate use protocol.
- Two out of the three neonates with life-threatening enteroviral hepatitis experienced a full recovery.
- The study highlights the potential efficacy of pleconaril in managing severe neonatal enteroviral hepatitis.
Implications:
- Pleconaril demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for neonatal enteroviral hepatitis.
- Further clinical investigation and expanded use of pleconaril for this condition are warranted.
- Early diagnosis and intervention may improve outcomes for neonates with enteroviral liver disease.