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Published in:

01-03-2004 | Original Paper

Disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infection diagnosed by HSV DNA detection in blood and successfully managed by liver transplantation

Authors: Mary Twagira, Nedim Hadzic, Melvyn Smith, Meghna Ramaswamy, Anita Verma, Anil Dhawan, A. S. Knisely, Giorgina Mieli-Vergani, Anna Maria Geretti

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 3/2004

Abstract

We report a case of neonatal herpes presenting with liver failure and disseminated coagulopathy which followed unrecognised maternal primary genital herpes and was diagnosed by herpes simplex virus DNA detection in blood by polymerase chain reaction 2 weeks after initiation of empiric intravenous aciclovir. The child underwent liver transplantation while receiving suppressive antiviral therapy and remains well after 10 months of follow-up. Conclusion:our case highlights potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of neonatal herpes and indicates a role for blood herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction as a sensitive diagnostic tool in disseminated infection. It is one of very few reports where liver transplantation has been successfully carried out in a neonate with herpes simplex virus-induced liver failure.

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Title: Disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infection diagnosed by HSV DNA detection in blood and successfully managed by liver transplantation
Authors: Mary Twagira
Nedim Hadzic
Melvyn Smith
Meghna Ramaswamy
Anita Verma
Anil Dhawan
A. S. Knisely
Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
Anna Maria Geretti
Publication date: 01-03-2004
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 3/2004
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-003-1383-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infection diagnosed by HSV DNA detection in blood and successfully managed by liver transplantation

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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