Patient's question:
31-week premature infant, hospitalized for one month, with repeated jaundice before discharge. Tests: Cytomegalovirus IgM antibody (CMV-IgM) 41.17 COI, Cytomegalovirus IgG (CMV-IgG) 105.3 IU/mLDoctor's answer:
Giant cell virus infection in pregnant mothers can invade the fetus through the placenta, causing congenital infection. In a few cases, it may lead to premature birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or postnatal death. Affected infants may develop jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic anemia. Surviving children often suffer from permanent intellectual disability, neuromuscular movement disorders, deafness, and chorioretinitis. Treatment medications include ganciclovir and fluconazole tablets.