Newborn congenital cytomegalovirus screening and hearing outcomes: a systematic review of current literature.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize the very recent literature surrounding hearing outcomes of children with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) detected through systematic screening programs.

Recent findings: There are several different approaches to cCMV screening including forms of targeted vs. universal screening of newborns as well as maternally-derived prenatal testing. However, many studies fail to document hearing-related outcomes both in the newborn period and further into childhood when late-onset sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can occur. This systematic review included studies of neonates screened for cCMV reporting hearing outcomes for at least one point in time. Hearing targeted screening appeared the most widely reported for detection of unilateral and bilateral SNHL in those with cCMV. A few studies examined these clinical findings in relation to antiviral treatment.

Summary: Congenital CMV is an important and common cause of childhood hearing loss. Newborn screening programs may expand opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of the infection and its sequelae.