Importancia del citomegalovirus congénito en el programa de cribado auditivo neonatal

Introduction

In newborns, hearing loss secondary to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMVc) infection, despite its low prevalence, can cause a serious problem in the personal development and social integration of patients. Therefore, it is important to include the determination of CMV DNA as a neonatal screening tool.

Materials and methods

We have carried out a 5-year retrospective study, by describing the CMVc in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Spain) in newborns who did not pass the hearing screening in the early hearing loss detection program. The times of detection, confirmation (incidence) and intervention (treatment) are described.

Results

Of 18,782 subjects studied, 58 (3 per 1,000 live births) presented hearing loss. Of these, CMVc is guaranteed in 4 patients (one woman and 3 men). The mean time to hearing screening was 6.5 days (SD: ±3.69) and to detect CMV by polymerase chain reaction in urine and saliva was 4.2 days (SD: ±3.94). Time to confirm hearing loss by BAEP and audiological intervention 2.2 (SD: ±0.957) and 5 months (SD: ±3.741), respectively. Four hearing aid adaptations and one cochlear implant were performed.

Discussion and conclusion

Neonatal hearing screening has established itself as a good public health program. The determination of viral DNA allows an early, specific and interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, in which otorhinolaryngology plays a fundamental role. Our study highlights the importance of including CMV polymerase chain reaction as a universal screening tool.