A Multicenter Study on Symptomatic Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Korea From 2008 to 2017

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatology

Background:

• Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection poses a significant risk, potentially leading to severe illness or death.
• Limited data exists on neonatal HSV infection prevalence and characteristics within Asian populations.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap by estimating incidence and evaluating clinical features in Korean neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence of neonatal HSV infections in hospitalized infants in Korea.
• To characterize the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of neonatal HSV infections.
• To raise awareness among healthcare providers regarding this rare but severe condition.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective study was conducted across 12 university hospitals in Korea.
• Data was collected for neonates aged 28 days or younger diagnosed with confirmed HSV infection between January 2008 and December 2017.
• Patient charts were reviewed to gather information on demographics, clinical findings, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The incidence of neonatal HSV infection was estimated at 1 per 7,888 hospitalized neonates.
• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was identified in 62.5% of cases, and HSV-2 in 37.5%.
• Central nervous system disease was the most common presentation (68.8%), with a 30-day mortality rate of 12.5%.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal HSV infection, though uncommon in Korea, presents a substantial mortality risk.
• High rates of central nervous system involvement and seizures were observed.
• Increased pediatrician awareness is essential for prompt diagnosis and management of neonatal HSV infections.