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Early developmental outcomes of children with congenital HHV-6 infection

Mary T Caserta1, Caroline B Hall2, Richard L Canfield3

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics, mary_caserta@urmc.rochester.edu.

Pediatrics
|November 5, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Congenital human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection may negatively impact infant neurodevelopment. This study found lower scores on the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II in infants with congenital HHV-6 infection at 12 months.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental research
  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) research

Background:

  • Congenital human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection is present in approximately 1 in 101 births.
  • The impact of congenital HHV-6 infection on early neurodevelopment remains largely uncharacterized.
  • Early identification of neurodevelopmental influences is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between congenital HHV-6 infection and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.
  • To assess cognitive and developmental milestones in infants with and without congenital HHV-6 infection.
  • To determine if congenital HHV-6 infection poses a risk for delayed neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, double-blind study involving 57 newborns with congenital HHV-6 infection and 242 controls.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessments at 4, 12, and 30 months using the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence, Visual Expectation Paradigm, and Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (MDI).
  • Audiology screening and follow-up examinations were conducted between 12 and 24 months.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in baseline characteristics or early cognitive assessments (Fagan Test, Visual Expectation Paradigm) between groups.
  • Infants with congenital HHV-6 infection showed significantly lower Mental Development Index (MDI) scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 12 months (mean difference: 4.3 points; P = .03).
  • No clinical syndrome due to congenital HHV-6 infection was evident at birth.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital HHV-6 infection may be associated with a detrimental effect on neurodevelopment at 12 months of age.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of congenital HHV-6 infection.
  • The prevalence of congenital HHV-6 infection highlights the need for continued investigation into its health implications.
Abstract

Keywords:
congenital HHV-6 infectionneurodevelopment

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