TORCH syndrome
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| TORCH syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | TORCH infection |
Retinitis caused by cytomegalovirus | |
| Different manifestations of the four classical TORCH infections | |
| Specialty | Neonatology, infectious disease |
| Symptoms | hepatosplenomegaly, fever, lethargy, difficulty feeding, anemia, petechiae, purpurae, jaundice, and chorioretinitis |
| Complications | Stillbirth, etc. |
| Treatment | Mainly supportive |
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TORCH syndrome is a cluster of symptoms caused by congenital infection with toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and other organisms including syphilis, parvovirus, and Varicella zoster.[1] Zika virus is considered the most recent member of TORCH infections.[2]
TORCH is an acronym for (T)oxoplasmosis, (O)ther Agents, (R)ubella, (C)ytomegalovirus, and (H)erpes Simplex.[3]
Though caused by different infections, the signs and symptoms of TORCH syndrome are consistent. They include hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), fever, lethargy, difficulty feeding, anemia, petechiae, purpurae, jaundice, and chorioretinitis. The specific infection may cause additional symptoms.[1]
TORCH syndrome may develop before birth, causing stillbirth, in the neonatal period, or later in life.[4]
Pathophysiology
TORCH syndrome is caused by in-utero infection with one of the TORCH agents, disrupting fetal development.[1]
Diagnosis
Presence of IgM is diagnostic and persistence of IgG beyond 6–9 months is diagnostic.[citation needed]
Prevention
TORCH syndrome can be prevented by treating an infected pregnant woman, thereby preventing the infection from affecting the fetus.[4]