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

Abstract 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. About 10 % may develop sequalae, mainly SNHL. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with the development of sensorineural hearing loss, in children with asymptomatic congenital CMV infection. Study Design A total of 70 patients with asymptomatic cCMV were retrospectively evaluated. Maternal age, type and trimester of maternal infection, maternal or newborn treatment as well as gestational age and anthropometric measures of newborns were examined as predictors of SNHL. Results The incidence of SNHL in children with asymptomatic cCMV correlated with low birthweight as well as with both birth weight and head circumference low z-scores adjusted for gestational age. Logistic regression analysis confirmed these results. There was no association between type or trimester of maternal infection and the development of SNHL. Discussion Study results underscore the need for biomarkers to identify asymptomatic cCMV infants at risk for SNHL development, suggesting that z-scores of birth weight and head circumference adjusted for gestational age may be examined as such in larger cohorts.