Fetal ascites owing to congenital cytomegalovirus: response to ganciclovir.
A term newborn with severe congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is described. Fetal ascites was detected at 28 weeks gestation, and at birth there was tense ascites. There was intra-uterine growth retardation, microcephaly, chorioretinitis, jaundice, purpura and pneumonitis. Computed tomographic scan of the brain showed ventriculomegaly with periventricular calcifications. Serology was positive for cytomegalovirus-specific immunoglobulin M, and cytomegalovirus DNA was detected in the ascitic fluid and urine by nested polymerase chain reaction. He received 6 weeks of treatment with ganciclovir. Ascites resolved spontaneously and liver function tests became normal. Although there was a good clinical response to ganciclovir therapy without any side-effects, on follow-up the infant had global developmental delay and bilateral sensorineural deafness.
Basu
S
S
Department of Paediatrics, North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, Sushrutnagar, Darjeeling, India. drsriparnabasu@rediffmail.com
Chandra
P K
PK
Basu
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000821:virology; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015774:Ganciclovir