Symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus. Disorders of language, learning, and hearing

Seventeen patients with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) were studied longitudinally, with emphasis given to disorders of language, learning, and hearing. At a mean age of 5.5 years (range, 1 go 10 years), nine children (53%) performed in the retarded range. Eleven (65%) experienced sensorineural hearing loss, in three of whom it was progressive. Developmental verbal dyspraxia was documented in two children and suspected in a third. Disabilities in several areas of the learning process exhibited by four children with normal intelligence and hearing loss. Although the effects of congenital CMV were diverse, all of the children had developmental disorders that necessitated special education. Such patients require longitudinal follow-up that includes more than tests of intelligence and hearing. All areas of development must be evaluated to appreciate the full effect of CMV encephalitis in utero.