Medical expert of the article
New publications
Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in children is based on the use of antiviral and immunomodulating medications. Etiotropic therapy is currently not available. In generalized variants of the disease, corticosteroids are used for 2 weeks, vitamin complexes that contain vitamins C, K, P, and B. In connection with the suppressive effect on the immune system of the virus, immunostimulants (timalin, T-activin) are prescribed. Ganciclovir is effective at a dosage of 10 mg / kg per day for 7 days.
Forecast
With congenital cytomegaly often unfavorable. The disease can end fatal, and in the course of survival, there may be abnormalities in the function of the central nervous system (CNS) in the form of a decrease in intelligence, deafness, central paralysis, microcephaly, hypo- and hyperkinesia, oligophrenia, etc. Even in children with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalization, the intellect may decrease: they may lag behind in school, complaining of fatigue, insomnia, headaches, etc.
Acquired cytomegalovirus infection, proceeding as a mononucleosis, in most cases ends in recovery, with a generalized form, a lethal outcome is possible, especially if the lungs, liver, and central nervous system are involved in the process sequentially.