infections in pregnancy Flashcards
(43 cards)
what causes congenital rubella syndrome and when is the highest risk?
Caused by maternal infection with rubella virus in first 20 weeks
-highest risk <8-10 weeks
what should women who are planning to get pregnant do to protect them from rubella?
women planning to get pregnant should receive MMR vaccine
-if in doubt can check antibody levels to test for rubella immunity
what should non rubella immune pregnant women do?
-they should NOT receive MMR during pregnancy as it is a live attenuated vaccine
-should be offered the vaccine after giving birth
how does congenital rubella syndrome present?
Triad of:
-Cataracts (congenital blindness)
-Congenital deafness
-Cardiac abnormalities (PDA + pulmonary stenosis)
apart from congenital rubella syndrome- what can a rubella infection cause in pregnancy?
-miscarriage
-still birth
-other birth defects
how does rubella present?
-Fever
-Rash that starts on face and spreads across the body
-lymphadenopathy
-polyarthritis
management of rubella in pregnancy?
Rubella specific IgG antibody can be detected after natural infection or vaccination
-Blood IgM should be done within 10 days of exposure
-If patient not immune consider TOP
-Avoid contact with other pregnant women
suspected cases should be discussed with the local health protection unit
what causes measles?
paramyxovirus
Symptoms of measles?
-fever
-white spots inside mouth (Koplik spots)
-Runny nose
-Cough
-Red eyes
-Rash
what can measles cause in pregnancy?
Non teratogenic!
Can cause very high fever though:
-IUGR
-Microcephaly
-Miscarriage
-Stillbirth and Preterm birth
management of measles in pregnancy?
supportive care
what causes chicken pox?
varicella zoster virus (VZV)
how is chicken pox transmitted?
transmission mainly via droplets
symptoms of chicken pox?
-fever
-malaise
-vesicular rash
are women who have previously been infected with varicella zoster virus at risk?
No
-previous infection of varicella zoster means they are safe
what should be done if women are not sure about their varicella zoster immunity?
Test their VZV IgG levels
-if positive they are safe
what should be done when a rash starts after chicken pox exposure?
if they present within 24 hours and are >20 weeks give oral aciclovir
management of exposure to chicken pox <20 weeks?
<20 weeks give VZIG
when would congenital varicella syndrome occur?
Usually if there is a varicella zoster infection within the first 28 weeks
Presentation of congenital varicella syndrome?
-fetal growth restriction
-Microcephaly, hydrocephalus and learning disability
-Scars and significants skin changes located in specific dermatomes
-Limb hypoplasia (underdeveloped limbs)
-Cataracts and inflammation in the eye (chorioretinitis)
is listeria gram positive or gram negative?
gram positive
is listeriosis more common in pregnant or non pregnant individuals?
much more common in pregnant individuals
how does listeriosis present?
infection in the mother may be asymptomatic or cause a flu like illness
-less commonly cause pneumonia or meningoencephalitis
how is listeria transmitted?
-pasteurised dairy products, processed meats and contaminated foods
e.g. pate and soft cheese
