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Infant mortality, microglial nodules and parotid CMV-type inclusions
1Department of Histopathology, Children's Hospital, Sheffield, U.K.
Early Human Development
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions in the parotid gland were found in infants under two years old. These inclusions, alongside brainstem microglial nodules, were observed in some sudden infant death syndrome cases, suggesting a potential link requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Virology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common congenital infection.
- The parotid gland's role in CMV infection and its association with infant mortality is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CMV-type inclusions in the parotid gland of infants.
- To determine the association between parotid CMV inclusions, microglial nodules in the brain, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 951 pediatric autopsy cases.
- Histopathological examination of parotid glands for CMV inclusions.
- Examination of brainstem and cerebellum for microglial nodules.
Main Results:
- CMV-type inclusions were found in the parotid glands of 24 out of 951 infants, exclusively within the first two years of life.
- Fifteen of these infants with parotid inclusions also had microglial nodules, predominantly in those under 6 months old.
- Sudden infant death syndrome was recorded in over half of the cases with both parotid inclusions and microglial nodules.
Conclusions:
- A potential association exists between CMV infection, parotid gland inclusions, microglial nodules, and SIDS.
- The presence of microglial nodules in infants with CMV infection warrants further investigation regarding their role in unexplained infant deaths.
- It is prudent to consider CMV infection in cases of unexplained sudden infant death, especially when parotid inclusions are present.