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Interventions & Therapies

CMV Treatment Options

Congenital CMV Treatment Options in Newborns

Emerging research shows that antiviral drugs, Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir, may help newborns born with symptomatic congenital CMV. These antiviral treatments may prevent or lessen the severity of hearing loss and may improve head and brain growth. Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir can also help combat immediate medical concerns caused by 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.

Phase 2 study
Safety data sheet

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. 

CMV Treatment Options in Pregnancy

Cytogam

Previous studies indicated that Cytomegalovirus Hyperimmune Globulin Intravenous (CMV-IGIV), or Cytogam, treatment may lessen or reduce the risk of congenital infection and/or neonatal disease when given to pregnant women experiencing a primary CMV infection. Cytogam is an immunoglobulin G (IgG) containing antibodies to CMV. It is made from human plasma. 

Newly published data per a randomized controlled trial funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Center for Advancing Translating Sciences suggests that "administering hyperimmune globulin to pregnant women who tested positive for CMV did not reduce CMV infections or deaths among their fetuses or newborns...and should not be used for the prevention of cCMV in pregnant patients with primary CMV during pregnancy".

Phase 3 study
Prescribing information
Safety information
New England Journal of Medicine published July 28, 2021

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.