TESTIMONIAL

At the beginning of my first pregnancy, in 2001, a strong malaise and threatened abortion moved me to the hospital Policlinico Umberto I° di Roma.

Because the screening for CMV, during the third trimester, had only revealed positive IgG but negative IgM, the doctors excluded a possible CMV involvement. However, after 31 weeks gestation Federico was born and found to have a congenital CMV infection with thrombocytic purpura, splenomegaly, severe bilateral hypoacusia and, more importantly, brain calcifications and other cerebral abnormalities. So, I had to learn that CMV can be transmitted to the fetus even if the mother has antibodies.

Federico was treated with an intravenous antiviral for four weeks, in spite of persisting positive CMV DNA in blood and urine, then he was dismissed since the doctors said that there was no more to do for him, besides a follow-up.

After my gynecologist’s suggestion, we took Federico to Prof- Nigro, who told us that the outcome would have improved if the antiviral therapy was not stopped. Fortunately, the drug was then available orally, so we continued to treat Federico, although we were afraid of the numerous side effects, for about one year. CMV had become negative and Federico has improved much.

Now, at 20 years, Federico is a special boy with a strong and positive personality. As a residual of congenital CMV, he only has a right hypoacusia. He is healthy, serene, very intelligent and sensible.
My grateful thanks to Prof. Nigro, hoping that he could be helped in his continued research against CMV.

Isabella Corizi