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Am J Perinatol 1988; 5(1): 16-18
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999644
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Varicella Pneumonia During Pregnancy

Treatment of Two Cases with AcyclovirScott E. Eder, Joseph J. Apuzzio, Gerson Weiss
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pneumonia is a rare but serious complication of varicella during pregnancy. Maternal mortality has been reported to be 41% with fetal and neonatal mortality at 65%. Treatment has included respiratory support and prophylactic antibiotics. Acyclovir has been prescribed with the intent to decrease the impact of the infection. It was added to the treatment protocol of two cases of varicella pneumonia in pregnancy. Despite the high maternal and perinatal mortality both pairs of patients and infants survived. Acyclovir did not appear to adversely influence the fetus, and may have contributed to the survival of mother and child.

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