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Congenital cytomegalovirus Causes and Risks:
Congenital cytomegalovirus is caused when an infected mother passes CMV virus to the fetus through the placenta. The mother's illness may be subclinical (without symptoms or asymptomatic ), and she may be unaware that any problems exist. The affected infant is characteristically born with a petechial rash (a rash that looks like fine purplish-colored dots), a large spleen and liver, jaundice , inflammation of the retina , intracranial calcifications (mineral deposits within the brain), and a small head (microcephaly). Only about 1 out of 10 infants congenitally infected with CMV are thought to exhibit these symptoms.
Prevention:
Cytomegalovirus is almost everywhere in the environment, and is almost impossible to avoid.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
In examining the body, the health care provider, may also find: Tests include:
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for congenital CMV. Treatment focuses to specific problems such as physical therapy and appropriate schooling of children with psychomotor retardation.
Prognosis:
In the absence of calcification deposits in the brain, they are less likely to have mental retardation . Cerebral calcifications may be and sign of future psychomotor retardation.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Symptoms are usually present at birth. Have the baby examined promptly if your baby was not examined by a health care provider shortly after birth and you suspect that the head is small or if other symptoms of congenital CMV are present.
If your baby has congenital CMV, it is important follow the health care provider's recommendations for well-baby examinations. That way, any growth and development problems can be identified early and appropriate therapy can begin promptly.
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