Related Experiment Videos

[Prophylaxis in severe congenital neonatal varicella. Apropos of two cases]

F Rubio Quiñones1, J A García Hernández, E Iglesias Maqueda

  • 1Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Infantil, Centro Sanitario, Virgen del Rocío Sevilla.

Insights

Severe neonatal varicella complications occurred in newborn twins despite receiving zoster immunoglobulin (ZIG) prophylaxis. This highlights the need to re-evaluate current prophylaxis criteria for newborns at risk of severe varicella.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Context:

  • Neonatal varicella poses a significant risk of severe complications.
  • Human anti-chickenpox immunoglobulin (zoster immunoglobulin, ZIG) is used for prophylaxis.

Purpose:

  • To report two cases of neonatal varicella in twins with severe complications despite ZIG prophylaxis.
  • To discuss and potentially revise current criteria for ZIG prophylaxis in at-risk newborns.

Summary:

  • Two cases of neonatal varicella in twins are presented, both experiencing serious complications.
  • Prophylaxis with ZIG did not prevent severe outcomes in these neonates.
  • The cases suggest limitations in current ZIG prophylaxis guidelines for preventing severe neonatal varicella.

Impact:

  • Findings may lead to updated guidelines for ZIG prophylaxis in newborns.
  • Highlights the need for further research into effective preventative strategies for neonatal varicella.
  • Emphasizes the potential severity of neonatal varicella even with prophylactic treatment.

Related Concept Videos