Congenital varicella

Despite widespread vaccination, there are still breakthroughs of varicella (commonly known as chicken pox). Let's dive into this episode of our TORCH series.Follow us on Twitter/X @Pediagogypod and Instagram/Threads @pediagogy and connect with us at [email protected] episode was written by Dr. Tammy Yau and Lidia Park, with content support from Dr. Ritu Cheema. Drs. Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.Key points:-Transplacental varicella transmission can lead to congenital varicella syndrome which includes dermatomal rash, cicatrix, limb hypoplasia, microcephaly, and cataracts-Use Acyclovir to treat neonates and pregnant people with active varicella infection. Congenital varicella syndrome does not require treatment.-Varicella immunoglobulin can be used to prevent infection in certain cases including exposed neonates 5 days before delivery and 2 days after delivery.Sources:VZV in Newborns: Neoreviews (2016) 17 (9): e507–e514. https://doi.org/10.1542/neo.17-9-e507TORCH infections: Pediatr Rev (2011) 32 (12): 537–542. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.32-12-537