Perinatal features in recurrent herpesvirus infection

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine perinatal features in recurrent herpesvirus infection (HVI).

Materials and methods. 160 pregnant women and their newborns were examined: 100 women with recurrence during pregnancy of herpes simplex virus type 1 and/or 2 (HSV-1 and/or HSV-2), 30 women seropositive for HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 without relapse during pregnancy, 30 women seronegative for HVI. Peculiarities of the perinatal period and the development of children at 1 year of life were studied. The obtained data were processed by the methods of variational statistics, using the Student's t-test and Fisher's angular transformation. The Microsoft Excel statistical analysis package was used.

Results. Recurrent HVI during pregnancy is associated with a significantly increased frequency of pregnancy complications (threat of abortion in 52.0% of women, threat of premature birth in 21.0%, anemia of pregnancy in 54.0%, placental insufficiency in 72.0%, fetal distress in 24.0%), childbirth (abnormalities of labor in 28.0%, fetal distress in 15.0%), postpartum blood loss (5.0%). Children are more often born prematurely (6.0%), in a state of asphyxia (24.0%), with reduced body weight (28.0%). In the structure of complications of the neonatal period, infections typical for the perinatal period, damage to the nervous system, respiratory distress syndrome prevail. In the period of life up to 1 year, a quarter of children belong to the group of frequently and long-term patients, 14.0% are underweight, and a third are overweight. One third had anemia, 14.0% had exudative diathesis, 24.0% had a syndrome of movement disorders and increased neuro-reflex excitability. Delayed motor development in combination with delayed reduction of muscle tone, delayed language development, game skills, and communication skills were noted.

Conclusions. Recurrent HVI during pregnancy causes a high frequency of perinatal disorders, which requires preconception counseling and pregnancy management in order to avoid recurrences of GVI, prevent stressful situations, join infections, and correct the psycho-emotional state.

The study was carried out in accordance with the main provisions of GCP ICH and the Declaration of Helsinki, agreed with the Local Ethics Committee of the institution. All studies were performed after obtaining the informed consent of the women.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.