Eczema herpeticum in pregnancy and neonatal herpes infection.
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.
DiCarlo
Angela
A
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
Amon
Erol
E
Gardner
Morey
M
Barr
Susan
S
Ott
Kelly
K
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
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir