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Perinatal cytomegalovirus hepatitis in Saudi infants: a case series

Mohammed Y Hasosah1, Suzane Y Kutbi, Abdulfattah W Al-Amri

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/National Guard Health Affairs, Western Region, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. hasosah2007@yahoo.com

Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association
|May 26, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in infants commonly causes jaundice and cholestasis. Most cases of hepatic CMV infection in infants are self-limiting and resolve favorably, often without needing antiviral treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent congenital viral infection, affecting 0.4%-2.3% of newborns.
  • CMV infection can manifest in multiple organs, but studies on hepatic CMV in immunocompetent infants are limited.
  • There is a scarcity of medical literature detailing the hepatic manifestations and complications of CMV in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics, biochemical features, and outcomes of hepatic Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in infants.
  • To assess the necessity and efficacy of antiviral therapy for hepatic CMV in immunocompetent infants.

Main Methods:

  • The study included nine infants diagnosed with hepatic CMV infection.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed by positive IgM anti-CMV antibodies and CMV-DNA detection in blood.
  • Clinical, biochemical, and immunological data were analyzed, along with treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Jaundice (100%) and cholestasis (100%) were the predominant clinical features.
  • Hepatic abnormalities included hepatitis (77%), hypoalbuminemia (55%), and elevated liver enzymes (77%).
  • Hepatosplenomegaly (44%) and thrombocytopenia (22%) were also observed; treatment was indicated in 66% of cases, with favorable resolution in all.

Conclusions:

  • Jaundice and cholestasis are the most common signs of hepatic CMV infection in infants.
  • Hepatic CMV infection in young infants is frequently self-limiting and may not require antiviral therapy.
  • The majority of infants with hepatic CMV infection experience a favorable outcome.

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