Could neonatal disseminated herpes simplex virus infections be treated earlier?
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can cause rapidly progressive multiple organ failure with an 85% mortality if untreated. Early recognition and treatment may improve outcome [N Engl J Med 324(1991)450]. OBJECTIVES: (i) To determine the number and presentation of neonates with disseminated HSV admitted to an intensive care unit. (ii) To determine paediatric Specialist Registrar (SpR) awareness of the diagnosis and management of a typical potential case of neonatal disseminated HSV. METHODS: (i) A 10-year review of case notes of neonates admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. (ii) A telephone questionnaire of ‘on-call’ Paediatric SpR’s in the London area. RESULTS: Eight cases of confirmed disseminated HSV infection were identified. All died. Each case followed a similar clinical course with presentation between days 5-9 of life (median day 7). A short prodrome preceded the rapid development of disseminated intrav
