👶 Chapter 300 · Congenital Varicella Syndrome

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | Congenital varicella syndrome results from maternal varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection during the first half of pregnancy (especially 8-20 weeks). Risk ~2% after first-trimester varicella. Manifestations: limb hypoplasia (atrophy, reduced muscle mass), cicatricial skin scarring (zigzag, dermatomal), microcephaly, chorioretinitis, cataracts, Horner syndrome, autonomic dysfunction (neurogenic bladder, reflux), seizures, developmental delay. Diagnosis: clinical, VZV IgM in newborn, PCR. No cure; supportive care. Prevention: varicella vaccination before pregnancy. Post-exposure prophylaxis with VZIG for non-immune pregnant women.