The Audiological Follow-Up of Children with Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Experience in Two Italian Centers

• Main Authors: Silvia Palma (Author), Francesca Forli (Author), Cecilia Rossi (Author), Riccardo Filice (Author), Concetta D'adamo (Author), Maria Federica Roversi (Author), Daniele Monzani (Author), Francesca Lorenzoni (Author), Cecilia Botti (Author), Stefano Berrettini (Author), Luca Bruschini (Author), Alberto Berardi (Author), Elisabetta Genovese (Author), Rachele Canelli (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the leading cause of non-hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in children. While about 10% of children reportedly display symptoms at birth, 85-90% of cCMV infection cases are asymptomatic. However, 10-15% of these asymptomatic infants may later develop hearing, visual, or neurodevelopmental impairments. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cCMV infection on newborns' hearing function with a particular emphasis on progressive and late-onset cases. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart analysis with longitudinal character and was conducted in two Italian centers: Center 1 (from 1 November 2007 to 31 December 2021) and Center 2 (from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021). Data collected included newborn hearing screening results, characterization of hearing loss (unilateral/bilateral, degree of impairment), and audiological follow-up. Results: The cohort consisted of 103 children (42% males, 58% females). In total, 28 children presented with hearing impairment; 71.4% (20 out of 28) of the cases of hearing loss were severe/profound, with 35.7% of the cases due to unilateral hearing loss. Out of twenty-eight, six experienced progression of hearing loss and four had late-onset hearing loss. Conclusions: In the absence of universal cCMV screening, hearing screening at birth for cCMV remains a critical factor for early diagnosis. A significant percentage of children affected by cCMV with normal audiological evaluations at birth is easily lost to follow-up. Close collaboration between neonatologists, pediatricians, and audiological services is fundamental to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss.

Item Description

10.3390/children10071136
2227-9067