Routine cytomegalovirus screening during pregnancy: is it worthwhile?
Audibert, F.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 32(1 Suppl): 1s50-1s55
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 12592164 Document Number: 556117
The issue of routine antenatal screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection raises a controversy in France. Supporters of a screening policy argue that this frequent congenital infection (about 1% of all newborns) is a known cause of neurological impairment or hearing loss, which could be prevented by the prenatal screening of the infection. However the majority of infected fetuses will be free of any symptom, and there is currently no reliable prognostic marker in the antenatal period. Moreover, no prenatal treatment has proven to be effective and safe. A screening strategy might lead to iatrogenic concerns, including parental anxiety, invasive prenatal testing, and terminations of pregnancies for unaffected fetuses. Based on current knowledge, routine antenatal screening of CMV infection during pregnancy cannot be recommended. Further research should focus on the development of a safe and effective prenatal treatment, and the development of better diagnostic tests.