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[Neonatal herpes: recurrence after treatment with acyclovir]
M A Le Gall1, J F Boccara, C Francoual
1Service de pédiatrie B, hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Paris, France.
Pediatrie
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Neonatal herpes infection relapsed in a 1.5-month-old infant despite acyclovir (ACV) treatment. This case highlights the need for longer ACV therapy in infants due to potential neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Neurology
- Virology
Background:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection poses significant risks.
- Early treatment with acyclovir (ACV) is standard care.
- Relapse of HSV infection is uncommon in neonates but documented in older populations.
Observation:
- A 1.5-month-old infant experienced a relapse of cutaneous herpes with meningitis.
- The infant had received initial ACV treatment for neonatal HSV infection.
- An immunological response to HSV was detected 2.5 months post-infection onset.
Findings:
- The case suggests that HSV relapse can occur in infants even after appropriate ACV therapy.
- The patient's age and immunological profile may influence relapse risk.
- The mechanism of ACV action and viral shedding patterns are considered.
Implications:
- Extended ACV treatment duration is recommended for neonatal HSV relapse to mitigate neurological sequelae.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for relapse in treated infants.
- Further research into optimal treatment durations for neonatal HSV is warranted.