Download A4Medicine Mobile App
Empower Your RCGP AKT Journey: Master the MCQs with Us! 🚀
This table provides a concise summary of recommendations for managing exposure to chickenpox or shingles during pregnancy, considering factors that define significant exposure and the use of varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) for non-immune pregnant women.
| Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Exposure Assessment | - Assess contact significance based on infection type, timing, and duration of contact. - Consider: - Type: Chickenpox, disseminated zoster, immunocompetent individuals with exposed lesions, or immunocompromised individuals with localized zoster. - Timing: Specific timeframes for exposure significance. - Closeness: Maternal/neonatal, continuous home, 15+ minutes in the same room, face-to-face. |
| Immune Status and Reassurance | - If the woman has a definite history of chickenpox, shingles, or two doses of a varicella-containing vaccine, and is not immunocompromised, reassure her that she is not at risk of chickenpox because immunity can be assumed. |
| Testing for VZV Immunity | - Test pregnant women with uncertain chickenpox history, especially from tropical areas, for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunity. - If results can be obtained within 24–48 hours of initial exposure, testing in primary care may be appropriate. |
| VZIG Administration for Non-Immune | - Offer varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) to non-immune pregnant women with significant contact as soon as possible (within 10 days of rash appearance in the index case) -... |
Try our Free Plan to get the full article.
