Herpes simplex dissemination following glucocorticoids for upper airway obstruction in an adolescent girl.
A previously healthy adolescent female suddenly developed a severe febrile pharyngitis and impending upper airway obstruction. Her Monospot test was positive, and her throat culture grew group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. After treatment with antibiotics and glucocorticoids, she developed a fulminant course dominated by disseminated intravascular coagulation and hepatic necrosis. At autopsy, herpes simplex virus type-1 was cultured from lung, liver, and spleen tissue. We believe this is the first report of disseminated herpes simplex infection after steroid use for upper airway obstruction.
Shane
S A
SA
Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk.
Wollman
M
M
Claassen
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications
D005938:Glucocorticoids