What is the recommended management for a newborn when the mother develops varicella around the time of delivery?

What is the recommended management for a newborn when the mother develops varicella around the time of delivery?

• A. Varicella zoster immune globulin at birth
• B. No treatment necessary
• C. Vaccination at birth
• D. Antibiotics to treat varicella

Answer: (A)

When a mother develops varicella around delivery, the newborn is at high risk for neonatal varicella because passive protection from the mother may be inadequate at birth. The best management is to give Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin to the newborn at birth (ideally within 96 hours) to provide immediate passive antibodies and reduce the chance of infection or lessen its severity. Vaccination at birth isn’t used because the varicella vaccine is a live vaccine given later (first dose at about 12–15 months) and is not appropriate for newborns. No treatment would leave the infant vulnerable to a potentially serious infection, and antibiotics won’t treat a viral varicella infection.

When a mother develops varicella around delivery, the newborn is at high risk for neonatal varicella because passive protection from the mother may be inadequate at birth. The best management is to give Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin to the newborn at birth (ideally within 96 hours) to provide immediate passive antibodies and reduce the chance of infection or lessen its severity. Vaccination at birth isn’t used because the varicella vaccine is a live vaccine given later (first dose at about 12–15 months) and is not appropriate for newborns. No treatment would leave the infant vulnerable to a potentially serious infection, and antibiotics won’t treat a viral varicella infection.