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Congenital varicella syndrome
1Department of Pediatrics & Neonatology, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala. aparnathira@satyam.net.in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|March 7, 2003
Summary
Congenital varicella syndrome from first-trimester maternal chickenpox is extremely rare. This case highlights unusual features including limb hypoplasia and phantom hernias.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Teratology
Background:
- Maternal infections during pregnancy can lead to significant fetal complications.
- Chickenpox (varicella) infection in pregnant individuals poses risks to fetal development.
- The timing of maternal varicella infection influences the spectrum of congenital abnormalities.
Observation:
- A case report detailing a pregnancy complicated by maternal varicella infection in the first trimester.
- The neonate presented with a constellation of unusual congenital anomalies.
- Specific observations included bilateral lower extremity hypoplasia and bone fractures.
Findings:
- The infant exhibited features consistent with the classical form of congenital varicella syndrome.
- Notably, the infant had bilateral hypoplastic lower extremities and evidence of bone fractures.
- Neurodevelopmental assessment revealed a normal electroencephalogram, and phantom hernias of the anterior abdominal wall were present.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rare but severe teratogenic potential of first-trimester maternal varicella.
- The unusual presentation broadens the understanding of congenital varicella syndrome's phenotypic variability.
- Highlights the importance of considering varicella infection in the differential diagnosis of complex congenital anomalies.