The effect of antiviral therapy for congenital cytomegalovirus (Cmv) on children hearing loss

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen encountered in newborns and the most prevalent congenital infection in human beings. Objectives: To evaluate existing studies on the effect of antiviral treatment on long-term hearing loss in infants with congenital Cytomegalovirus infection and how it can aid in the prevention of such devastating outcomes. Methods: Systematic review was performed by obtaining papers using a four-step procedure to ensure that all included studies meet the desired criterion. Additionally, PI was used to test the effect of antiviral treatment on hearing loss. Results: The average PI among studies used was 0.4 indicating that the use of antiviral treatment improved hearing loss with an average of 40%. Also, Cochran's Q test was insignificant which indicates homogeneity between studies. Conclusions: CMV infections are the most important cause of nongenetic hearing loss, neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual impairment, and multisystem organ failure in children. The reviewed studies showed that the antiviral treatment (ganciclovir) could be used as a treatment for patients including children and infants who are diagnosed with hearing loss due to CMV infection.