(TORCHES)

Severe embryofetopathy. Acronym for Toxoplasmosis, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and  Herpes simplex. The other possible infections: Coxsackie, syphilis, HIV, parvovirus B19 and herpes zoster (chickenpox). Sometimes the acronym TORCHES for TOxoplasmose, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex and Syphylis is preferred.

Group of pre- or perinatal infections of viral, bacterial or Protozoan origin that have similar symptoms:

-        microcephaly

-        intracerebral calcifications

-        chorioretinitis

-        and affecting other organs, according to the involved germ: thrombocytopenia, congenital cataract...

At birth, there is often an intrauterine growth retardation, a hepato-splenomegaly and sometimes a jaundice and a petechial rash.

Anesthetic implications:

mental retardation, epilepsy; management of a  polyhandicapped child; check liver function

References : 

Updated: September 2018