Feasibility of Continuous Infusions of Acyclovir

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2020 Sep;39(9):830-832. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002692.

Abstract

Current guidelines for severe herpes simplex virus infection recommend 21 days of intravenous therapy. The thrice-daily administration of intravenous acyclovir makes it challenging to deliver as outpatient therapy. We describe 2 cases with confirmed or presumed neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis treated with acyclovir administered as a continuous-infusion at home and review the pharmacologic and clinical evidence for continuous infusions of acyclovir.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage*
  • Acyclovir / standards
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / virology
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infusions, Intravenous / methods
  • Infusions, Intravenous / standards*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir