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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
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Congenital Cytomegalovirus and Hepatic Failure: An Underrecognized Complication

J Paige Souder1, Erica Grimm2, Swetha Pinninti3

  • 1From the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, the most common congenital infection, can cause hepatitis. This study highlights two term infants who developed liver failure despite early antiviral treatment for CMV hepatitis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hepatology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of congenital viral infections.
  • While often asymptomatic, CMV can manifest with hepatitis in newborns.
  • Hepatic failure progression in term infants treated early for congenital CMV hepatitis is not well-documented.

Observation:

  • Two term infants with congenital CMV infection and hepatitis were studied.
  • Both infants showed initial laboratory improvement with antiviral therapy.
  • Despite treatment, both infants progressed to severe hepatic failure.

Findings:

  • Congenital CMV infection can lead to progressive hepatitis and hepatic failure in term infants.
  • Early antiviral treatment may not prevent the progression to liver failure in all cases.
  • This progression occurred despite initial positive responses to therapy.

Implications:

  • Congenital CMV hepatitis requires careful monitoring for potential progression to liver failure, even with treatment.
  • Current antiviral strategies may need re-evaluation for preventing severe outcomes in congenital CMV.
  • Further research is needed to understand risk factors and optimize management for congenital CMV-induced liver disease.

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