[Herpes simplex encephalitis in the newborn infant--a review].

Neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare, but very threatening disease which leads to death or to severe cerebral damage with only a few exceptions. In the past few years antiviral agents have become available which have proved to influence the course of the disease in a positive manner. Therefore the problem is a challenge for neonatologists and pediatric neurologists. The virologic and epidemiologic aspects of neonatal herpes encephalitis and its prophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities are reviewed. The efficacy of virustatic therapy is related to the onset of therapy which should be started as soon as possible. The typical EEG- and CT-changes are due to an already advanced stage of the disease. Virologic examinations in the first days are of limited value. Brain biopsy should not be performed in this age group. Therefore the indication to start antiviral chemotherapy depends exclusively on the clinical picture.