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The use of antiviral drugs during the neonatal period

Richard J Whitley1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA. RWhitley@peds.uab.edu

Clinics in Perinatology
|February 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Parenteral antiviral therapy for neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) and congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections has evolved. Acyclovir and ganciclovir are now key treatments for these serious infant viral diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal infectious diseases
  • Pediatric virology
  • Pharmacotherapy

Background:

  • Parenteral antiviral therapy for neonatal viral infections was initially established with vidarabine.
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are significant pathogens in newborns and infants.
  • Advances in antiviral development have led to more effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established and alternative parenteral therapeutics for neonatal HSV and congenital CMV infections.
  • To highlight the current treatment standards for these severe neonatal viral conditions.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of antiviral use in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and alternative parenteral antiviral therapies.
  • Focus on acyclovir and ganciclovir efficacy and application.
  • Summary of therapeutic options for neonatal herpesvirus infections.

Main Results:

  • Acyclovir is the preferred treatment for neonatal HSV infections.
  • Ganciclovir is beneficial for congenital CMV infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Vidarabine was an early treatment but has been largely superseded.

Conclusions:

  • Acyclovir and ganciclovir represent significant advancements in treating neonatal viral infections.
  • These antivirals are crucial for managing severe HSV and CMV infections in infants.
  • Continued research into neonatal antiviral therapies remains important.

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