Conclusion
The findings of this study revealed that the rate of cCMV-induced SNHL is high among neonates born in Tehran. The severe sequelae of cCMV infection indicate the need for screening for CMV infection at birth to reduce the risk of CMV complications and the financial load of treatment imposed on healthcare and treatment systems in Iran.
Methods
Neonates with cCMV infection admitted to neonatal intensive care units and neonates with CMV infection identified in two other prospective screening studies in Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in this study. Audiological assessments, including otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem response tests, were performed for all the cases. Antiviral therapy was administered for the newborns in case of having severe symptoms.
Results
A total of 22 neonates with cCMV infection were entered into the study, of whom 8 and 14 subjects had symptomatic and asymptomatic cCMV infection, respectively. In total, 3 of 22 newborns had SNHL (13.6%; 95% CI: 2.8-39.8), 2 of 8 cases with symptomatic cCMV infection (25.0%; 95% CI: 3-90) and 1 of 14 cases with asymptomatic cCMV infection (7.1%; 95% CI: 0.1-39). No association was observed between SNHL and CMV-related risk factors in newborns.