Fetal therapies for cytomegalovirus: What we tell prospective parents

Abstract

Congenital CMV is the most common congenital infection in the developed world. Infection results in congenital disease ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe neurodevelopmental impairment, and occasionally fetal or neonatal death. Fetal infection can occur through maternal‐fetal transmission during primary maternal infection or maternal reactivation or re‐infection. Awareness amongst maternal health care providers and parents is low. The prevention of maternal CMV infection currently relies on hygiene measures, with no effective CMV vaccine or prophylactic therapies. No licensed treatment options are available to prevent maternal‐fetal transmission or fetal disease. Hyperimmunoglobulin and valaciclovir have been investigated for prevention of maternal‐fetal transmission or fetal treatment, with some evidence supporting consideration of maternal administration of hyperimmunoglobulin or valaciclovir therapy in certain circumstances. This article outlines the clinical evidence regarding proven preventative behavioural measures, and experimental hyperimmunoglobulin and valaciclovir therapies; and structured around common questions asked by pregnant women about CMV infection. It is aimed to help maternity health care providers educate prospective parents about congenital CMV disease and the preventative and therapeutic strategies currently available.