Perinatal Varicella in a Nigerian neonate

PERINATAL VARICELLA IN A NIGERIAN NEONATE Nyong EE1*, Idholo U1, Akhimeinho KI1, Akpan RJ1 1. Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Correspondence Dr Eno Etim Nyong Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria E-mail: unwana5419@yahoo.com Nyong EE, Idholo U, Akhimeinho KI, Akpan RJ. Perinatal Varicella in a Nigerian neonate. Case Study and Case Rep. 2021; 11(1): 7 - 14. ABSTRACT Perinatal varicella results from a DNA virus of the herpes family. It is acquired within 10days of delivery in contrast to congenital varicella whose occurrence is within the first 20 weeks of conception. Mortality is usually high where there are no modern neonatal intensive care and varicella immunoglobulin are not available. The objective of the report is to highlight the non-protective effect in neonatal varicella when infection is acquired within a particular period during pregnancy. Methods: We describe a case of a Nigerian neonate who had features of chicken pox at age of 9 days of life and was delivered by a mother who had chicken pox 4 days before the onset of labour. The neonate developed severe bronchopneumonia, a known complication, and progressively deteriorated till demise in the absence of administration of varicella immunoglobulin. In conclusion, absence of prophylactic acyclovir, delayed administration of therapeutic intravenous acyclovir, absence of administration of varicella zoster immunoglobulin, complication of sepsis and bronchopneumonia contributed to the poor prognosis. Keywords: Herpes, Immunoglobulin, Perinatal, Varicella