Necrotizing enterocolitis in a full-term infant.: Is acyclovir involved?

Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. Exposure during human pregnancy and during the neonatal period seems safe. We report a case of early necrotizing enterocolitis in a full term infant treated with acyclovir as a prophylactic therapy. The mother had herpes genitalis with preterm, premature ruture of membranes at 32 weeks of gestational age and was treated with acyclovir until vaginal delivery. Acyclovir treatment in utero and after birth is discussed as a possible cause of necrotizing enterocolitis in the infant. Acyclovir should be used only if its benefit outweighs the potential risk to the baby. (c) 2007 Publie par Elsevier Masson SAS.