Intrauterine Infection with Coxsackievirus and Congenital Heart Defects
Author Information
Author(s): William J. Watson, Sami Awadallah, Mary Jo Jaqua
Primary Institution: University of South Dakota School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is intrauterine infection with Coxsackievirus a cause of congenital cardiac malformations?
Conclusion
The association of intrauterine infection with Coxsackie B virus and structural cardiac anomalies in the fetus suggests a need for further investigation.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal infections with coxsackievirus during pregnancy are common, but fetal infections are rare.
- The fetus had structural cardiac anomalies and hydrops due to the infection.
- Viral culture confirmed the presence of Coxsackie B-1 virus in the amniotic fluid.
Takeaway
A pregnant woman had a virus that may have caused her baby to have heart problems, leading to serious complications and death.
Methodology
The study involved a case report of a pregnant woman with an intrauterine infection diagnosed through viral culture from amniotic fluid.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 27-year-old white female with a history of an unremarkable pregnancy until complications arose.
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