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Am J Perinatol 2013; 30(02): 121-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1333133
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Cytomegalovirus: Should We Screen Pregnant Women for Primary Infection?

Julie M. Johnson
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital/Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Brenna L. Anderson
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital/Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

14 August 2012

01 November 2012

Publication Date:
04 January 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity, affecting ∼0.5 to 1% of infants born each year. Primary maternal infection during early pregnancy is the greatest risk factor for severe neonatal morbidity/mortality. The current recommendation from national organizations advises against routine screening of pregnant women for primary infection. Recent advancements in diagnosis and treatment raise the issue of implementation of a national screening program. Prior to development of a major screening program for a highly prevalent and costly disease, the screening test must be safe, reliable, and valid with an effective and feasible intervention. This article reviews recent literature regarding available screening tests and potential interventions and whether criteria for a screening program are met in the current state of science. Although screening women using CMV immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, and IgG avidity testing is reliable, effective intervention with hygiene modification or treatment with CMV-specific hyperimmune globulin is not as well established. More evidence from randomized controlled trials is needed prior to moving forward with a screening program for congenital CMV.

Keywords

congenital cytomegalovirus - primary CMV infection - CMV hyperimmune globulin - screening program
 

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