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Question 745
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Risk factors for complicated maternal chickenpox
Question Stem
A pregnant woman with chickenpox has no respiratory, neurological or haemorrhagic features. Which history nevertheless places her in a group for whom hospital assessment should be considered?
Options
A
Systemic corticosteroid treatment 2 months ago
B
Previous appendicectomy
C
Iron supplementation during pregnancy
D
Treated uncomplicated cystitis 6 months ago
E
Previous normal vaginal delivery
Explanation
Hospital assessment should be considered even without overt complications when a woman is at increased risk of severe or complicated chickenpox. Risk factors specified include cigarette smoking, chronic lung disease, immunosuppression including systemic corticosteroid use during the preceding 3 months, and being in the second half of pregnancy.
Option Validity
B) previous appendicectomy is not identified as a risk factor for severe chickenpox.
C) routine iron supplementation is not a specified risk factor.
D) a remote uncomplicated urinary infection does not confer the specified increased risk.
E) previous mode of delivery is not a risk factor for complicated chickenpox.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13, Chickenpox in Pregnancy, section 5.3.