varicella

Question 1

x

Question 2

n

Question 3

n

Question 4

n

Question 5

m

Question 6

m

Question 7

m

Question 8

m

Question 9

m

Question 10

m

Question 11

m

Question 12

m

Question 13

highest risk of Fetal varicella syndrome (FVS) lowest when ?

Answer 13

before 20 weeks gestation

Question 14

Management of chickenpox exposure in pregnancy, i.e. post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) ?

Answer 14

If a woman is exposed to chickenpox during pregnancy, a history should be taken of whether she previously had chickenpox or varicella vaccination. If she has, no further action is needed

If the woman is unsure about previous chickenpox or has never had chickenpox, a blood test for varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibodies should be performed.

Question 15

For susceptible women (negative antibodies) exposed in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy?

Answer 15

varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) is recommended.

Question 16

For susceptible women (negative antibodies) exposed from 20 weeks of pregnancy

Answer 16

either VZIG or ORAL aciclovir FROM DAYS 7 TO 14 AFTER EXPOSURE is recommended.

Question 17

pregnant women with symptomatic chickenpox present within 24 hours of the onset of the rash and if they are 20+ weeks’ gestation

Answer 17

Oral aciclovir

if the woman is < 20 weeks the aciclovir should be ‘considered with caution’

Question 18

if the pregnant woman <= 20 weeks gestation is not immune to varicella

Answer 18

should be given varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) as soon as possible