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Neonatal herpes: incidence, prevention, and consequences
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Neonatal herpes occurs in about 1 in 15,000 births. Cesarean sections do not prevent neonatal herpes transmission, and improved diagnostics could reveal a 25% mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Virology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection poses significant risks.
- Understanding incidence and mortality is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To appraise the incidence, prevention strategies, and mortality of neonatal herpes.
- To evaluate the efficacy of cesarean section in preventing neonatal herpes.
- To highlight the impact of diagnostic systems on mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and data synthesis on neonatal herpes incidence.
- Analysis of cesarean section's role in preventing HSV transmission.
- Estimation of mortality rates based on available data and potential improvements.
Main Results:
- The incidence of neonatal herpes is estimated between 1 in 7,500 to 30,000 deliveries, averaging 1 in 15,000.
- Cesarean section is ineffective in preventing neonatal herpes acquisition in exposed pregnancies.
- A potential mortality rate of 25% for neonatal herpes is suggested, contingent on improved reporting and diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal herpes remains a significant concern with a substantial incidence.
- Current prevention methods like cesarean section show limited efficacy.
- Enhanced diagnostic and reporting systems are vital to accurately assess and potentially reduce the high mortality associated with neonatal herpes.