Herpes simplex virus infection among neonates suspected of invasive bacterial infection: a population-based cohort study.
Kia Hee Schultz DunguStine LundEmma Malchau CarlsenUlla Birgitte HartlingAstrid Thaarup MatthesenKristina Træholt FranckMarianne Kragh ThomsenUlrik Stenz JustesenHans Linde NielsenAlex Christian Yde NielsenTine Brink HenriksenUlrikka NygaardPublished in: Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition (2023)
The incidence of neonatal HSV infection was higher than in previous decades; however, the estimated NNT with empiric acyclovir was high. Therefore, we propose not to treat all neonates suspected of IBI with empiric acyclovir, as current European guidelines suggest. However, HSV should be considered in neonates with signs of infection, especially after the third postnatal day and in neonates with high alanine aminotransferases and thrombocytopaenia.