Advances in the antiviral therapy of herpes virus infection in children.
Herpes viruses are ubiquitous and primary infections, with many of these viruses common during childhood. In general, children tolerate primary infection well, with only mild symptoms, but in the immunocompromised, including the newborn, infection can be associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Drug treatment for many of the herpes infections is available but is often associated with serious side effects. In the pediatric age group, treatment is further hindered by a lack of information on suitable dosing regimes, unavailability of oral solutions and a lack of clinical trials specifically investigating response to treatment in this group of patients. This article will review current evidence regarding the pharmacokinetics and dosing of the most commonly used antiherpetic agents and will look specifically at the treatment of the more common herpes virus infections in children.
Luck
Suzanne
S
Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK. sluck@doctors.org.uk
Sharland
Mike
M
Griffiths
Paul
P
Jenkins
Sian M
SM
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000145:classification; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn
D000998:Antiviral Agents