Early intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection: extreme sequels with good seizure control
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection in humans with great propensity to infect and injure developing nervous system. The extent of damage directly depends on the time of infection. In early CMV infections, the extent of neurologic damage most likely causes fetal death. We present a child with serology indicative of acute CMV infection and neuroimaging showing signs of early congenital infection. Seizures caused by severe central nervous system damage were well controlled with phenobarbital maintained within reference values in blood. In conclusion, severe neurologic damage caused by early congenital CMV infection emphasizes the importance of CMV infection stigmata recognition with early fetal sonography, and in suspected cases with serology. This case reveals insufficient diagnostic strategies, as well as deficient treatment options including the need for developing a safe and efficient vaccine. This child is an extraordinary example of surviving infant with extreme central nervous system damage and good seizure control.Keywords: CYTOMEGALOVIRUS; NERVOUS SYSTEM; FETAL DEATH; INFANT, PREMATURE; SEIZURES
Category: Case report
Volume: Vol. 55, No 2, april - june 2011
Authors: M. Malenica, Lj. Cvitanović Šojat, R. Gjergja Juraški, O. Đaković Rode, H. I. Pećina
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