FS302 - Marion Downs Lecture: The Journey to Universal Screening for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection… the EHDI Experience, and it’s “Déjà Vu All Over Again”

Friday, April 19, 2024

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM EST

Location: A411-412

Earn 0.15 CEUs

Sponsored By

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Lead Presenter(s)

Mark R. Schleiss, MD

American Legion and Auxiliary Heart Research Foundation Professor
University of Minnesota Medical School
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Disclosure(s): Moderna Vaccines: Research Grant (includes principal investigator, collaborator or consultant and pending grants as well as grants already received) (Ongoing)

Presenter(s)

Angela Shoup, PhD

Executive Director, Professor of Speech, Language and Hearing
Callier Center for Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas
Dallas, Texas

Disclosure(s): ELOXX Pharmaceuticals: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing)

PDF Slides

Abstract: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of developmental disabilities, including congenital sensorineural hearing loss. SNHL caused by cCMV may be absent at birth, and hence will be missed by newborn hearing screen. Up to 25% of all childhood hearing loss is caused by cCMV. Newborn screening for cCMV could enable early detection of delayed-onset and progressive SNHL, but the question of whether universal screening for this infection should be standard-of-care is controversial. Like the EHDI journey, targeted cCMV screening was initiated at individual hospitals and has since been mandated by some states. In February of 2023, Minnesota became the first state to institute universal cCMV screening. Knowledge of cCMV status is helpful in planning appropriate management of the identified infant and in providing family support. This session will discuss the viral and immunological pathogenesis of cCMV, strategies for prevention, screening models, value of early diagnosis, and long-term management imperatives for this common but under-diagnosed infection.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to put the goal of universal cCMV screening into a historical perspective and compare this with the commencement of universal newborn hearing screen in the 1990s that built on the work of Marion Downs, who in 1964 discovered the importance of an early assessment of newborn hearing.
Upon completion, participant will describe the differences between universal, targeted, and enhanced targeted screening for cCMV, and will have an opinion about which strategy is optimal in addressing the need for interventions for cCMV associated hearing loss.
Upon completion, participant will be able to articulate the landscape of legislation in the USA that deals with cCMV screening, knowledge, awareness, and advocacy.