A neonate with acute liver failure caused by herpes simplex infection
Pols, T.; van den Hoek, J.G.; van Lingen, R.A.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 158: A7743
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 25248731 Document Number: 677017
(HSV) infection in neonates is rare. This infection is generally considered when there is a history of contact with a person who has a cold sore or when the mother has active genital herpes. A 7-day-old female was admitted to hospital on suspicion of sepsis. Aciclovir was considered, but ultimately not given due to low suspicion of herpes infection. Her clinical situation deteriorated within a couple of days. Due to the advanced liver damage, the disease had a fulminant course and the patient died. Even without evidence of contact with HSV in the history, it is important to start acyclovir early in neonates with fever of unknown origin. A rare clinical presentation is acute liver failure. HSV infection can run a serious course in neonates; therefore, aciclovir should be started immediately if there is any suspicion.