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IX NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, CHENNAI, OCT 2006
Dr. Sujatha Jagadeesh, Dr. Lathaa Bhat and Dr. V. Madhavi
Department of Genetic Counseling
Dr. S. Suresh, Dr. Indrani Suresh, Department of Ultrasound,
Fetal Care Research Foundation, Chennai
Introduction: Varicella Zoster infections are common in pediatric age group. The clinical spectrum and complications in children are also well known. Fetal infection following chicken pox in pregnancy is reported to be 1-2%. However the reported features include chorioretinitis, neuro developmental problems and cicatrizing limb lesions. Some of these conditions may not be detected on the antenatal scans. Postnatal follow up is essential for obtaining our own baseline data.
Aim:To analyze the outcome of pregnancies with fetal varicella infections in pregnancy during five years from 2001-2005 retrospectively.
Subjects and Methods: All cases referred for antenatal scan/counseling with a history of Varicella Zoster in mother during pregnancy were included.
Study protocol:The details of outcome of these pregnancies were obtained by phone calls and letters. Those that were reported abnormal were confirmed by clinical examination.
Results: Total number of women with history of Varicella in pregnancy – 77, Information obtained – 30, Normal outcome – 24, MTP – 3, Still birth (cord round the neck) – 1, Ectopic kidney – 1, Genu recurvatum and absent patella diagnosed postnatally – 1 and no follow up – 47.
Limitations: Postnatal follow up was not possible in all cases due to lack of correspondence from the affected parties. Better percentage of follow up would help in improving data collection.
Conclusion: Varicella Zoster in first trimester of pregnancy is a known teratogen. The inability to pick up a few of these conditions antenatally is a source of great concern to the affected family. Use of vaccines against Varicella Zoster and Rubella in adolescence will atleast offer protection against these infections in the child bearing age group and thus lessen the chances of fetal teratogenicity.
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