What Is Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
It is a set of symptoms which arises when a baby is infected with a virus named cytomegalovirus prior to his or her birth.
What Is The Alternate Name Of Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
Congenital cytomegalovirus is also known as congenital CMV.
What Are The Symptoms Of Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
Majority children with congenital cytomegalovirus have no symptoms at all. Around ten percent of babies with the condition have the following symptoms:
- Large liver and spleen.
- Jaundice.
- Inflammation of the retina.
- Low birth weight.
- Small size of head.
- Seizures.
- Rash at birth.
- Mineral build up in the brain.
When Is The Right Time To Seek Medical Assistance?
Usually, babies are examined by medical professionals shortly after their birth; however do not delay to get your baby immediately checked in case of the following situations:
- If the baby is left being examined.
- One suspects the baby’s head is smaller than usual.
- Notice the above mentioned signs of congenital cytomegalovirus.
If the baby is diagnosed with the condition, then one must strictly follow the doctor’s advice for well-baby examination. By this, any problems related to development and growth can be spotted at an initial stage, whilst treated on time!
What Causes Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
It arises when an infected mother transmits cytomegalovirus to her unborn child by means of placenta. Usually, a mother with the illness does not tend to have any sign or symptoms, thus she can remain unaware regarding the fact that she is suffering from the illness.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
Few complications congenital cytomegalovirus can lead are:
- Deafness.
- Psychomotor retardation.
How Is Congenital Cytomegalovirus Diagnosed?
During the visit, the doctor will carry out a thorough physical exam, wherein he or she will notice:
- Enlarged spleen.
- Enlarged liver.
- Psychomotor retardation.
- Abnormal breath sounds.
The doctor can then suggest the following tests:
- Ultrasound or CT scan of the head.
- Complete blood count.Causes
- Antibody titer against cytomegalovirus for infant and mother both.
- TORCH screen.
- Fundoscopy.
- Blood tests and bilirubin level for liver function.
- Urine culture for cytomegalovirus.
- X-ray (chest).
How Is Congenital Cytomegalovirus Treated?
It can be treated with prescribed antiviral medicines. Though, they can only slow down the progression and NOT cure the infection caused by congenital cytomegalovirus. It is better to keep the babies born with the condition in hospital until his or her organs start to function normally. In case a baby is diagnosed with the condition but has no symptoms, then it is important to have his/her vision and hearing checked on regular basis.
What Is The Prognosis Of Congenital Cytomegalovirus?
Around ninety two percent of babies who develop the symptoms of congenital cytomegalovirus at birth tend to experience neurological defects later in their lives whereas; around five to ten percent of babies without its signs will also face such problems in future.
By : Natural Health News
