Difficulties in selecting specific therapy in severe forms of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: view through time

Abstract

The aim — to show the feasibility of using ganciclovir for congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) by demonstrating two clinical cases.

Clinical cases. Over time, the approaches to the treatment of congenital CMVI have changed from the use of acyclovir to the appointment of ganciclovir.

In 2011, a premature baby was diagnosed with congenital CMVI based on the presence of multiple organ lesions (lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, eyes, central nervous system) and positive result of CMV PCR test in blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Only acyclovir was used as an etiotropic drug due to the lack of evidence at that time on the safety of another antiviral drug — ganciclovir. Treatment was not completely effective: in the follow;up at the age of two the child has a grave violation hearing and vision and profound disability due to the residual effects on the central nervous system.

In 2019, a newborn child with severe haemorrhagic syndrome, respiratory disorders and neurological symptoms was diagnosed with congenital CMVI by positive result of CMV PCR test and ganciclovir was prescribed at a dose of 6 mg/kg every 12 hours by an intravenous infusion under the control of a routine complete blood count (CBC) test. On the second week of treatment, positive dynamics was observed clinically, on the 6th week — negative result of CMV PCR test. The child was discharged on day 70th of treatment without residual effects on the central nervous system. At the age of 9 months, deafness of 2–3 degrees was diagnosed, but prosthetics were performed timely with complete restoration of hearing. At age of 12 month this child sits, rolls over, crawls; responds adequately to others; captures the gaze and keep an eye on items.

Conclusions. Two clinical cases through the description of changes in approaches to specific therapy of congenital cytomegalovirus disease from acyclovir to ganciclovir and a clear demonstration of the difference in disease outcomes — from severe disability when ganciclovir was not prescribed, to complete rehabilitation with its use demonstrate the feasibility of prescribing ganciclovir.

The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies.

No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.