Interventions & Therapies

Emerging research shows that antiviral drugs, Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir, may help newborns born with symptomatic congenital CMV or those who are asymptomatic with isolated hearing loss. These antiviral treatments may prevent or lessen the severity of hearing loss. Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir can also help combat immediate medical concerns caused by congenital CMV, such as thrombocytopenia, organ failure (most commonly spleen and/or liver), hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Treatments generally last from 6 weeks to 6 months and are administered orally or through an IV or PICC line.

Both Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir can have serious side effects, so be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning treatment and during the antiviral treatment period. Newborns receiving these antiviral treatments should their blood counts taken regularly to avoid problems with severe neutropenia or anemia.

Ongoing Interventions & Therapies
 

If your baby is diagnosed with congenital CMV, be sure to have his or her hearing and vision checked regularly to identify any early onset of hearing or vision loss. Early diagnosis is critical to experiencing long-term developmental successes.

If you are concerned about potential seizure activity, record your baby's behavior and send this information to your pediatrician so he or she may help refer you to a pediatric neurologist consultation. Additional monitoring, including EEG, may be suggested to properly evaluate your child for seizures.

Additional interventions may help to improve your child's cognitive and physical abilities. In every state, there are programs available for children through the Early Intervention (EI) Program for Infants and Toddlers, as mandated in Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA¹). EI is a federally funded, state-run program that provides support for infants and toddlers with disabilities, or who are at risk for having significant developmental delays. "Disabilities" at this age can range from severe special needs to feeding difficulties to delays in fine motor skills, communication, or muscle developments. EI services may include speech/language therapy, special instruction, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental monitoring. 

Ask your child's pediatrician for a referral to your local EI program to determine whether your child should be evaluated for EI services. 

Others

Larger trials are necessary for other safe and effective antiviral treatments, for example high-dose valacyclovir in early pregnancy, or newer immunoglobulin products, such as monoclonal antibodies. 

Until then, we must advocate for the prioritization of a CMV vaccine.
 
If you would like more information about active clinical trials, anti-viral therapy and other CMV treatment options, please speak with your doctor. If you require further support or assistance, please contact us.