title: Eczema herpeticum in pregnancy and neonatal herpes infection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eczema herpeticum is caused by herpes simplex infection of atopic dermatitis. The infection typically causes a vesiculopustular rash, but can disseminate and be life threatening.
  
  
  METHODS
  A primigravida with a history of eczema and hypogammaglobulinemia presented at 28 weeks of gestation with preterm labor, fever, and extensive rash. After failed tocolysis, she delivered vaginally. Prompt treatment with parenteral acyclovir was initiated for both patients based on a clinical diagnosis of maternal eczema herpeticum. Cultures confirmed the diagnosis of eczema herpeticum and rectal swab of the infant was positive for herpes simplex virus. The mother and infant did well.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early diagnosis and treatment of eczema herpeticum is necessary to prevent poor outcomes in pregnancy. Prophylactic acyclovir may help prevent eczema herpeticum in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine, St Mary's Health Center, St Louis, MO, USA. dicarloa@slu.edu
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: DiCarlo
authors.forename: Erol
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Amon
authors.forename: Morey
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ott
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007617:Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir