Zeitschrift für Schwangerschaft und Kindergesundheit

Abstrakt

Screening for Cytomegalovirus: An Analysis of Guidelines

Sascha Vereeck*, Sofie Vereeck and Yves Jacquemyn

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most prevalent cause of infection-related neurological impairment. Screening for cytomegalovirus is in practice offered to many women in the western world. In this study we present an overview of official guidelines concerning screening/non-screening for cytomegalovirus worldwide. Methods: An Internet search for guidelines concerning screening for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy worldwide. Results: From the 24 guidelines we found worldwide, there were only 7 with a guideline regarding screening for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy. Six of them gave the following advice: there is insufficient evidence to support routine screening in all pregnant women for cytomegalovirus infection. Currently there is no routine screening for cytomegalovirus recommended during pregnancy. The “Federaal kenniscentrum voor de gezondheidszorg” (KCE) gave the extra advice that performing a single serological test prior to pregnancy can be useful as it may encourage (non-immune) women to take preventive measures and it can reassure (at least partially) those who are immune. They also recommend discussing primary prevention measures with pregnant women to reduce the risk of cytomegalovirus infection. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends routinely screening for cytomegalovirus during the pre-conceptional screening of the female recipient of sperm donation. Conclusion: No guideline recommends routine screening for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy.