Low birth weight and head circumference as potential biomarkers of sensorineural hearing loss in asymptomatic congenitally CMV-infected infants.

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) represents the most common viral congenital infection and non-genetic cause of childhood sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Newborns with symptomatic cCMV disease are at high risk for long term neurologic sequalae. However, most newborns with cCMV are asymptomatic and have a significantly better prognosis.

Risk of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in children born to women with IgG avidity in the grey zone during first trimester of pregnancy.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection and is regarded as the leading nongenetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Currently, international consensuses discourage prenatal screening of pregnant women. However, in few countries mainly in Southern Europe, screening of pregnant women for CMV infection is common practice.