Cytomegalovirus infection and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
M. H. Sawyer, D. K. Edwards and S. A. Spector
During a five-year period, 32 preterm infants weighing less than 2000 g
were diagnosed as having postnatally acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV)
infection in a neonatal intensive care unit. These CMV-infected infants
were matched with 32 uninfected controls for gestational age, birth weight,
and birth date; the two groups did not differ in Apgar scores or the
incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus.
Roentgenographic evidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) developed in
24 (75%) of 32 CMV-infected infants, an incidence significantly greater
than that observed in control infants (12/32; 38%). Infants with acquired
CMV infection required more respiratory support and longer hospitalization
than uninfected controls. This association between acquired CMV infection
in premature infants and the development of chronic lung disease provides
further evidence that vigorous efforts to prevent CMV infection in
hospitalized neonates is warranted.
