Analysis of selective screening for congenital cytomegalovirus in a secondary hospital: Problems and solutions

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp (Engl Ed). 2024 May-Jun;75(3):162-168. doi: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2023.07.004. Epub 2024 Jan 12.

Abstract

Universal hearing screening offers unique possibilities for detection of congenital deafness as a consequence of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMVc) infection, so its selective study in the case of a failed test could be a non-negligible screening opportunity while other guidelines covering the possibility of universal screening are adopted. The aim of this study is to analyse the possibility of selective screening for CMVc after an altered hearing test in a regional hospital. During the period studied, the results obtained were unsatisfactory, especially in children born outside the hospital of residence, showing an excessive delay in hearing screening in many cases and in the few cases where CMVc screening could be performed, only 30% had the test ordered in a timely manner. The reasons for this are varied and the solution is to include selective screening for CMVc in the hearing screening programme. This implies shortening the timing of the hearing screening protocol to allow CMVc testing in saliva or urine (preferably) before 21 days of age and providing screening programmes with the necessary staff and time to perform it properly.

Keywords: Auditory potentials; Citomegalovirus congénito; Congenital cytomegalovirus; Cribado auditivo neonatal; Hearing loss; Neonatal hearing screening; Otoemisiones; Otoemissions; Potenciales auditivos; Pérdida auditiva.

MeSH terms

  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / congenital
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Deafness / congenital
  • Deafness / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Hearing Tests*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neonatal Screening* / methods
  • Secondary Care Centers