EMQ — Extended Matching Question · Review
Question 767
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
EEMQQuestion Header
Select the single most appropriate neonatal risk estimate.
Question Stem
A woman develops chickenpox 3 weeks before giving birth. She asks about the likelihood of infection in her baby. Which estimate is most consistent with the guideline?
Answer Bank
A
Fewer than 1% of babies become infected and none develop symptoms
B
About 5% become infected and all are symptomatic
C
Up to 50% become infected and approximately 23% develop clinical varicella
D
Approximately 23% become infected and 50% develop clinical disease
E
All babies become infected but only 1% are symptomatic
F
Neonatal infection occurs only if the maternal rash starts after birth
G
Maternal antibody completely prevents neonatal infection
H
No neonatal risk exists if maternal infection precedes delivery by more than 7 days
Correct Answer
C. Up to 50% become infected and approximately 23% develop clinical varicella
Explanation
When maternal chickenpox occurs 1–4 weeks before delivery, the guideline reports that up to 50% of babies are infected and approximately 23% develop clinical varicella, despite high titres of passively acquired maternal antibody.
Option Validity
A) The reported infection rate is substantially higher.
B) Neither figure is supported.
D) The infection and clinical-disease percentages are reversed.
E) Universal infection is not reported.
F) Maternal infection before delivery can cause neonatal infection.
G) Passive maternal antibody does not completely prevent infection.
H) Infection 1–4 weeks before delivery still carries neonatal risk.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13. Chickenpox in Pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; January 2015, minor update 2024.