Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

Natural course and trial of treatment for infantile liver dysfunction associated with cytomegalovirus infections

K Numazaki1, S Chiba

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.

In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause infantile hepatitis. Glycyrrhizin (GL) treatment improved liver dysfunction and weight gain in infants with prolonged HCMV infection, suggesting GL as a potential therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hepatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is implicated in neonatal and infantile hepatitis.
  • The precise pathogenic role of HCMV in hepatitis requires further clarification.
  • Prolonged liver dysfunction and poor weight gain are significant concerns in affected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To observe the natural progression of liver dysfunction in HCMV-infected infants.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of oral glycyrrhizin (GL) in treating HCMV-related liver dysfunction.
  • To assess the impact of GL on body weight gain in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of natural disease course in HCMV-infected infants.
  • Intervention with oral glycyrrhizin (GL) in patients with persistent liver dysfunction.
  • Monitoring of liver function parameters and body weight changes.

Main Results:

  • Liver dysfunction showed clear improvement following GL administration.
  • Patients with prolonged liver dysfunction and poor weight gain experienced benefits from GL treatment.
  • The study observed a positive correlation between GL administration and improved clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Oral glycyrrhizin (GL) is a potentially suitable treatment for improving liver dysfunction in infants with HCMV infection.
  • GL administration may alleviate symptoms and improve growth in affected infants.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the therapeutic role of GL in HCMV hepatitis.

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...