MSRA: Chickenpox in Pregnancy

Question 1

What are the appropriate steps for a pregnant woman following chickenpox exposure?

Answer 1

If immune - reassure
If immune status unknown, check antibodies
If non-immune:
* Less than 20 weeks: VZIG within 10 days of exposure
* 20+ weeks gestation: VZIG within 10 days or antivirals 7-14 days following exposure (1 week course starting on day 7)

Question 1

What are the appropriate steps for a pregnant women following onset of chickenpox rash

Answer 1

If 20+ weeks, can start Aciclovir within 24 hours

Question 2

What are the features of foetal varicella syndrome?

Answer 2

Skin scarring in a dermatomal distribution
Eye defects
Hypoplasia of the limbs
Neurological abnormalities (microcephaly)