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Congenital cytomegalovirus - All Information

Alternative Names

CMV - congenital; Congenital CMV

Definition of Congenital cytomegalovirus:

Congenital cytomegalovirus is a group of symptoms that occur when an infant is infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) before birth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Congenital cytomegalovirus occurs when an infected mother passes CMV to the fetus through the placenta. The mother's illness may not have symptoms, so she may be unaware that she has CMV.

Symptoms:

Most congenitally infected children do not have symptoms. Only about 1 out of 10 infants congenitally infected with CMV have these symptoms:

Signs and tests:

During the exam, the health care provider may find:

Tests include:

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for congenital CMV. Treatments, such as physical therapy and appropriate education for children with psychomotor retardation, focus on specific problems.

Experimental treatment with the drug ganciclovir may reduce hearing loss later in the child's life.

Expectations (prognosis):

Up to 90% of infants who have symptoms of their infection at birth will have neurologic abnormalities later in life. Only about 5 - 10% of infants without symptoms will have these problems.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Have your baby checked right away if he or she was not examined by a health care provider shortly after birth and you suspect that the head is small or you notice other symptoms of congenital CMV.

If your baby has congenital CMV, it is important to follow the health care provider's recommendations for well-baby examinations. That way, any growth and development problems can be identified early, and treated promptly.

Prevention:

Cytomegalovirus is almost everywhere in the environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps to reduce the spread of CMV:

  • Wash hands with soap and water after touching diapers or saliva.
  • Avoid kissing children under the age of 6 on the mouth or cheek.
  • Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils with young children.
  • Pregnant women working in a day care center should work with children older than age 2 1/2.
  • Reviewed last on: 4/7/2008
  • David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/12/2007).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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