Article Figures & Data
Tables
- Table 1.
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
Risk Factors If maternal infection is present at time of delivery -
Use of fetal scalp electrode
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Prolonged rupture of membranes (longer than 6 hours)
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Vaginal delivery
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Presence of cervical lesions
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Primary infection with HSV
In a neonate undergoing evaluation and/or treatment -
Presence of CSF pleocytosis
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Skin, eye, or mouth lesions
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Symptoms of lethargy, seizure, poor feeding, or irritability during the first month of life
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Has been receiving antibiotics for fever without clinical improvement
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HSV, herpes simplex virus; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid.
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Obtain a history of HSV infection in a woman and her sexual partner at the first prenatal visit. Counsel pregnant women with no history of HSV about prevention methods. Encourage condom use by partners with HSV if there is no history of HSV in the pregnant woman. Consider prophylactic acyclovir at 36 weeks for pregnant women with a history of HSV infection. Ask women presenting in labor about symptoms of HSV infection. Women in labor who have active genital HSV infection should be delivered by Caesarian section. Keep newborns with known or suspected HSV in isolation with contact precautions. Skin lesions should be covered. Healthcare providers with lesions should not have contact with newborns. Parents with active herpetic lesions on any part of the body should pay careful attention to the handling of their neonate. -
HSV, herpes simplex virus.
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