HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS-INFECTIONS IN THE NEONATE

Objective: To review the experience of the Camperdown Children's Hospi tal with neonatal herpes simplex viral (HSV) infections between 1960 a nd 1992 Design: A retrospective record review of all cases of HSV infe ction. Results: Fifteen proven HSV infections were found. Only three c ases had a definite history of HSV infection during pregnancy. Six wer e delivered at 36 weeks gestation or earlier. Seven weighed 2500 g or less. Forty-three per cent developed physical signs within 7 days of b irth. Three cases were confined to skin, eyes and mouth, five were gen eralized, six had encephalitis with or without skin lesions, and one h ad pneumonitis. The mortality rate comprising the five with generalize d infection was 47%, one with encephalitis and the one with pneumoniti s. Four of the eight survivors have persisting neurological impairment . Those with disseminated infection and encephalitis did poorly regard less of antiviral treatment Conclusion: A high index of suspicion of H SV infection is important so that antiviral treatment can be commenced early, particularly for those infections localized to skin, eye and m outh where there may be a good prognosis.