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Question 739
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
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Maternal complications of chickenpox
Question Stem
A pregnant woman with chickenpox asks why clinical deterioration requires prompt reassessment. Which group of serious maternal complications is specifically associated with adult varicella infection?
Options
A
Pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis
B
Pancreatitis, nephrotic syndrome and myocarditis
C
Pyelonephritis, cholangitis and meningococcaemia
D
Pericarditis, appendicitis and pancreatitis
E
Glomerulonephritis, thyroiditis and endocarditis
Explanation
Adult varicella is associated with greater morbidity than childhood infection. Important maternal complications include pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis, and maternal death can occur rarely. Varicella pneumonia is particularly important in pregnancy and may become more severe at later gestations because of the effects of the gravid uterus on respiratory function.
Option Validity
B) this is not the characteristic complication group emphasised for maternal varicella.
C) these conditions are not the specified major complications of adult chickenpox.
D) this combination is not the complication profile described in the guideline.
E) these are not the principal serious maternal complications highlighted for varicella.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13, Chickenpox in Pregnancy, section 5.1.