[25] Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

What is CMV?

A

A member of the herpesvirus family (herpesvirus 5)

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2
Q

How common is CMV, in relation to other infections transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy?

A

It is the most common virus transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy

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3
Q

What proportion of women become infected with CMV during pregnancy?

A

Approx 1 in 100

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4
Q

What proportion of maternal CMV infections are vertically transmitted to the fetus?

A

Around 1/3

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5
Q

What % of fetal CMV infections will cause damage to the fetus?

A

5%

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6
Q

When is the highest risk of a fetal CMV infection causing damage to the fetus?

A

In the first trimester

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7
Q

How can maternal acquisition of CMV infection occur?

A
  • Close contact, including household contacts and occupational exposure
  • Sexual exposure
  • Transfusion
  • Organ transplantation
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8
Q

Is CMV always active?

A

No, it can cycle through periods where it lies dormant and then reactivates

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9
Q

When can CMV be passed onto other people, including the baby?

A

During activation

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10
Q

What is the most common presentation of CMV infection?

A

It is usually asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals

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11
Q

If symptomatic, how might CMV present?

A

Can cause mild flu-like illness, or in some patients a mononucleosis syndrome

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12
Q

What can a mononucleosis syndrome-type presentation of CMV cause?

A
  • Fever
  • Splenomegaly
  • Impaired liver function
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13
Q

What investigations are done if maternal CMV is suspected?

A

Viral serology for CMV specific IgM and IgG

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14
Q

What is a positive test for viral serology in suspected maternal CMV?

A
  • Presence of CMV specific IgG in mother that was previously seronegative
  • Presence of CMV IgM and low IgG avidity
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15
Q

What is meant by avidity?

A

The strength with which the antibody binds to the antigen

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16
Q

What management is required in immunocompetent women?

A

No treatment is required

17
Q

What anti-CMV drugs are available?

A
  • Gangciclovir

- Forscarnet

18
Q

Should anti-CMV drugs be used in pregnancy?

A

No

19
Q

Why should anti-CMV drugs not be used in pregnancy?

A

Because they have potential teratogenic effects, and can cause haematological and renal toxicity

20
Q

How can fetal CMV infection be diagnosed prenatally?

A

Via amniocentesis and PCR of the amniotic sample

21
Q

When can prenatal testing for fetal CMV infection be carried out?

A

After 21 weeks gestation

22
Q

Why can prenatal testing for fetal CMV infection only be carried out after 21 weeks gestation

A

Because functioning fetal kidneys are required for the virus to be excreted into the amniotic fluid

23
Q

What should be done if fetal CMV infection is confirmed?

A

There is no effective therapy, and termination of the pregnancy should be offered

24
Q

What should be done if a woman with fetal CMV infection wants to continue with the pregnancy?

A

Serial ultrasound scanning should be performed

25
Q

What is the purpose of serial ultrasound scanning when there is confirmed fetal CMV infection?

A

To assess for the manifestations of congenital CMV