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Herpes simplex virus esophagitis in immunocompetent children

Fernanda Rodrigues1, Nogueira Brandão, Vitor Duque

  • 1Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Portugal. fmprodrigues@hotmail.com

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|December 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus esophagitis is an uncommon condition in immunocompetent children, often presenting with non-specific symptoms. Early diagnosis and acyclovir treatment appear to improve outcomes for this viral infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis is a rare condition in immunocompetent children.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms, especially in younger children.

Observation:

  • A retrospective analysis of six immunocompetent children (median age 4 years) with HSV esophagitis was conducted.
  • Common symptoms included fever, odynophagia/dysphagia, retrosternal pain, and vomiting.
  • Endoscopic findings revealed friable mucosa with erosive-ulcerative lesions, confirmed by histology.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was delayed due to atypical presentations.
  • HSV was confirmed via viral culture, PCR, and serology.
  • All patients received nasogastric feeding and acyclovir, with good outcomes.

Implications:

  • HSV esophagitis should be considered in immunocompetent children presenting with suggestive symptoms.
  • Prompt diagnosis and antiviral treatment with acyclovir may expedite recovery.
  • Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of acyclovir in this population.
Abstract

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