Ashlesha Kaushik
UnityPoint Health, USA
Title: Congenital infections and perinatal infection: State of the art diagnosis and management
Biography
Biography: Ashlesha Kaushik
Abstract
Congenital infectious syndromes can be severe in the neonate with devastating consequences. Knowledge of accurate diagnosis and correct management of congenital infections is essential for neonatal practice and successful patient outcomes. Congenital infections (infections in utero) are defined as infections acquired by the fetus transplacentally from an infected mother. These include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, parvovirus, and newly described zikavirus. Perinatal infections are acquired during birth, and include infectious agents like HSV (Herpes simplex virus) and Hepatitis viruses. Clinical manifestations of congenital infections include growth retardation, cataracts, cardiac defects (PDA), blueberry muffin spots, hydrocephalus, generalized intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis, microcephaly. Different clinical features characterizing the various infections described as “classic associations” have been identified. For diagnosing congenital infections, we should know when to screen the mother and/or the baby. Specific infections need specific diagnostic testing with serology and /or PCR. The main objectives of the presentation would be to distinguish the etiology and clinical features of congenital infections, review the diagnostic modalities for congenital infections, and to review plans of treatment for congenital infections. Knowledge of not only the clinical spectrum and features of congenital infections but the current recommendations for diagnosis and management of these infections including latest advancements is important and beneficial for physicians, specialists and neonatal practitioners. This is especially significant in the era of new and emerging infections.