Evaluation of intellectual development of children following congenital, mildly symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A prospective study.

AIM: Assessment of intellectual development of 6-year-old children following asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection in infancy.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A longitudinal, prospective cohort study concerning 38 (2%) children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection confirmed by specific serological and molecular tests, selected from the group of 1895 neonates preliminarily enrolled into the study. The first specialistic clinical assessment was performed during the neonatal and early infancy period, the second at the age of 12-18 months, and the final comprehensive clinical evaluation was carried out at the age of 6-6.5 years.

RESULTS

Psychological evaluation showed normal mental development (Intelligence Quotient ranged from 88 to 114), but 12 (32%) children showed abnormalities in speech development and in 3 (8%) poor visual-motor integration was observed. Emotional and social functioning indicate a normal level of maturity, but 14 (37%) children exhibited increased emotional sensitivity. Psychological assessment indicate that 6 (16%) children may have problems with school maturity.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up of children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection is necessary, including those with a mild clinical course, in view of the possible late sequelae, especially concerning intellectual development and hearing impairment.