Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection: Management and prevention

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) occurs in 1 out of every 3200 live births, causes serious morbidity and mortality, and leaves many survivors with permanent sequelae [1]. Despite this seemingly low prevalence, neonatal HSV accounts for 0.2 percent of neonatal hospitalizations and 0.6 percent of in-hospital neonatal deaths in the United States, and is associated with substantial healthcare resource utilization [2-5].

Since the discovery of neonatal HSV disease in the 1930s, important breakthroughs in understanding how HSV is transmitted to the fetus and neonate, molecular methods to diagnose HSV, and antiviral treatment strategies have improved diagnosis and treatment [2]. However, despite these advances, neonatal HSV remains a clinical challenge.

The management and prevention of neonatal HSV infection will be reviewed here. The clinical features and diagnosis of neonatal HSV infection and nonneonatal herpes simplex virus infection are discussed separately. (See "Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection: Clinical features and diagnosis" and "Genital herpes simplex virus infection and pregnancy" and "Herpetic gingivostomatitis in young children" and "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection".)

OVERVIEW

The treatment of neonatal HSV infection involves supportive measures and antiviral therapy.

Supportive measures — Supportive measures and special or intensive care measures include:

                             

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Literature review current through: Apr 2012. | This topic last updated: Feb 13, 2012.
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