Brivudine for treatment of varicella-zoster virus encephalitis.

OBJECTIVES

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis is a rare but severe complication of VZV. Intravenous acycloviris the standard treatment, with the potential side effect of renal impairment that can complicate the therapeutic course and pose an obstacle to recovery. The development of novel antiviral drugs and the optimization of clinical management become an urgent necessity.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We describe the first case of VZV encephalitis with intolerance to intravenous acyclovir that was successfully treated with oral brivudine monotherapy without discernible sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Brivudine is a promising therapy for VZV encephalitis, particularly in cases intolerant to traditional antivirals or complicated by renal impairment.