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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
Summary
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.