Varicella Pneumonia Complicating Pregnancy: A Report of Seven Cases

[摘要] Background:Pneumonia is the most common complication of varicella-zoster infection in adults andhas potentially devastating effects when complicating pregnancy. Due to the significant morbidityand mortality associated with this complication during pregnancy and the small number of reportedcases in the literature, we present this report to help educate physicians who care for pregnantwomen.Cases:Seven patients are presented in this report. These patients presented at various stages inpregnancy, from 17 to 31 weeks of gestation. Three of the patients had unremarkable hospitalcourses. Three of the patients had hospital stays over 21 days in duration. One patient died fromcomplications of varicella pneumonia after 31 days of hospitalization. The obstetric outcomes of the7 patients described include 1 non-viable delivery at 20 weeks gestation, 3 term deliveries, 2 pretermdeliveries, and 1 patient who has not yet delivered. All of the patients presented were treated withintravenous acyclovir therapy. Of the patients described, 3 required intubation and ventilatorysupport. Other complications encountered include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC),adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), metabolic encephalopathy, pneumothorax, superimposedbacterial pneumonia, and sepsis.Conclusion:The course and treatment of varicella pneumonia complicating pregnancy are discussed.Current recommendations regarding the use of varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG)are also reviewed.

[学科分类] 妇产科学