Neonatal hepatitis with herpes simplex

Abstract

We report two cases of neonatal hepatitis with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Whether the HSV infection was the cause of hepatitis, or merely associated with it is not clear. While, in the first case, resolution could not be achieved despite high-dose antiviral treatment with acyclovir and liver transplant had to be advised; in the second case, there was complete resolution of the disease without antiviral therapy. Role of acyclovir in these children needs further assessment.