QUESTION I have a patient who contracted varicella at 26 weeks' gestation. She is very concerned and would consider termination if it were earlier in the pregnancy. What are the current predictions of risk for her fetus? ANSWER Based on review of all available studies, we could not detect a single case of congenital varicella syndrome in the third trimester of pregnancy (0/208), as compared w...

Introduction:The purpose of this study was to define the etiologies of Horner syndrome in the pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of all pediatric Horner syndrome patients (<18 years old) examined by the pediatric ophthalmology services at two large referral centers. Results: Seventythree pediatric Horner syndrome patients were identified. ...

Even though varicella is rare in pregnancy, the disease can lead occasionally to disastrous illnesses for both the mother and her neonate. By contrast, normal zoster is not associated with special problems during pregnancy and perinatal period. Pregnant women, who contract varicella, are at risk of varicella pneumonia which must be regarded as medical emergency. At any stage during pregnancy, c...

This report provides an update on the surveillance conducted by the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) during the period January to December 2013. The APSU facilitates national active surveillance of uncommon diseases of childhood including selected communicable diseases. This report includes data on the following conditions: acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), congenital cytomegalovirus...

There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with the transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from pregnant women to their fetus or newborn. Although most commonly transmitted in the peripartum period, in rare cases HSV can lead to intrauterine infection. Cutaneous lesions are the most common manifestation of intrauterine HSV, and have a wide spectrum of presentation. We present a...

Varicella infection during the first and second trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk for congenital varicella syndrome 0.5-1.5% above the baseline risk for major malformation. Third trimester infection may lead to maternal pneumonia which can be life threatening if not treated appropriately. Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) should be administered as soon as possible preferably wi...

Serological evidence for hepatic cellular injury may occur during uncomplicated varicella. The magnitude of abnormalities may be helpful as a guide in the management of children with progressive varicella or varicella-associated Reye's syndrome, but liver function tests may be in the normal range. Viraemia was not detected during the acute stage of varicella-associated Reye's syndrome.

An infant with left microphthalmia, enophthalmia, and cataract with scattered zosterform skin lesions from maternal varicella at 20 weeks' gestation is described. The mother's abnormal obstetric history is discussed and published reports on congenital and neonatal varicella reviewed.