Hematologic abnormalities associated with vidarabine

A report of hematologic abnormalities associated with administration of vidarabine in a neonate is presented. High doses of vidarabine (30 mg/kg/d) for the treatment of herpes simplex infection may have caused a decrease in hematocrit and platelet count. This case demonstrates the need to monitor hematologic indices during administration of vidarabine. The use of doses greater than 15 mg/kg/d is questioned.