Screening for Cytomegalovirus during Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Stuart P. Adler
Primary Institution: Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University
Hypothesis
Is universal or limited serologic screening for CMV during pregnancy beneficial?
Conclusion
Routine serologic screening for CMV during pregnancy can help identify high-risk women and improve neonatal outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- An estimated 40,000 pregnant women acquire a primary CMV infection each year in the USA.
- 6,000 to 8,000 infants may develop severe neurologic damage from CMV infections.
- Routine serologic screening in Europe has led to significant advances in understanding CMV infections.
Takeaway
This study shows that many pregnant women can get a virus called CMV from their kids, which can hurt their babies, so testing for it is important.
Methodology
The study involved a demographic questionnaire and serologic and virologic monitoring of mothers and their children in daycare.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from participants.
Limitations
The study did not include a randomized controlled trial design.
Participant Demographics
62% of the 60 women studied were seronegative and 20% had a child shedding CMV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.27, 0.51
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website