Neonatal herpes simplex meningoencephalitis associated with fetal monitor scalp electrodes

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Abstract
Two full-term unrelated infants developed herpetic lesions at the site of scalp fetal monitor electrodes several days after uncomplicated labor and vaginal delivery. The mothers were asymptomatic during pregnancy. In addition to the scalp vesicles, 1 infant had unilateral herpetic conjunctivitis; the other infant had vesicles on the face without ocular involvement. Both babies had CSF pleocytosis and elevated protein. Herpes virus was cultured from the vesicles and CSF. Computed tomography showed low density areas in the frontotemporal regions. On follow-up, seizures persisted and neurologic development was impaired. The patients illustrate the potential risk of infection when internal fetal monitoring is used in low risk pregnancies.

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