Varicella during pregnancy: the timing of effective treatment.

Abstract

Maternal varicella infections during pregnancy can be either benign or disastrous for the infant according to the timing of infection during gestation. We report a case of varicella occurring at term that was managed successfully. Appropriate management includes tocolysis, unless contraindicated, and varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) administered to the mother within 72 hours of delivery, or to the neonate when the mother's rash appears within 48 hours after delivery. Treatment can markedly decrease the risk of mortality and severe morbidity in the relatively immunocompromised infant.

• Authors: P M Paulman, R McLellan
• Journal: The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice (J Am Board Fam Pract) 1990 Apr-Jun Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 121-3 ISSN: 0893-8652 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2333759 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Chickenpox (immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunity, Maternally-Acquired
• Immunization, Passive
• Infant, Newborn
• Patient Isolation
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Infectious (immunology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Tocolysis