Variations in Screening Practices for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infections Among Birthing Hospitals in the United States

Objective: Evaluate screening practices for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), the most common infectious cause of childhood deafness, in American birthing hospitals. Study Design: A survey was developed and distributed to hospitals across the US including the Northeast, Midwest, West, and Southwest between November–December 2023 to understand cCMV screening practices. Summary data were calculated. Hospital characteristics associated with screening were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Hospital practice was reported as a function of legislative mandate. Results: 134 responses were received (28.5% response rate). 78 respondents (58.2%) indicated their hospital screens for cCMV. Common screening indications were newborn hearing screen referral (67.5%) and symptoms that could be attributed to cCMV (57.1%). Odds ratio of cCMV screening for states with screening legislation versus without was 18.0 (p < 0.001). Odds ratio of cCMV screening for urban, level 3 facilities versus rural, level 1 facilities was 6.7 (p < 0.02). Conclusion: Wide variability exists in cCMV screening practices. Legislative screening mandates are associated with higher screening rates. Opportunity exists for development of screening guidelines for newborns at risk for cCMV infection.