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Valacyclovir Versus Acyclovir for Herpes Simplex Virus Suppression Following Neonatal Infection.
Haley A Olkiewicz1, Michelle L Mitchell2, Katie M Ray3
1Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, holkiewicz@childrenswi.org.
Valacyclovir may be an effective alternative to acyclovir for suppressing neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, showing similar recurrence rates. This antiviral offers potential benefits like less frequent dosing for infants with HSV.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited data exists on valacyclovir for neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) suppression.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests potential efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare HSV recurrence rates between valacyclovir and acyclovir for neonatal HSV suppression.
- To evaluate the efficacy of valacyclovir versus acyclovir in infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of infants (<6 weeks old) with positive HSV PCR.
- Analysis of demographics, dosing, and recurrence rates for patients receiving oral acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Main Results:
- Six patients received acyclovir and 13 received valacyclovir.
- Herpes simplex virus recurrence rates were similar between the acyclovir and valacyclovir groups.
Conclusions:
- Valacyclovir presents a potential alternative to acyclovir for neonatal HSV suppression.
- Valacyclovir may improve compliance due to less frequent dosing.
- Further research with larger studies is required to confirm valacyclovir's efficacy in neonates.
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