What do we do: Dilemmas of managing congenital cytomegalovirus infection?

Abstract:

CMV is the most frequent congenital infection and has a UK incidence of around 3-4/1000 live births. Around 10-15% of these infants will be symptomatic, of whom up to 90% will develop long term sequelae usually in the form of sensorineural hearing loss, visual impairment, or developmental delay. Some 13% of asymptomatic infants also develop long term problems. Despite such morbidity, decisions of whom to treat, and for how long, remain controversial.

Audience Take Away

• Objectives of session: Whilst there is some support for treating infants with CNS symptoms, there is a paucity of high-level evidence for treating infants with other organ involvement
• In addition, the adverse effects of treatment are not inconsiderable
• Thus the talk will aim to address these dilemmas and help the participants develop an evidence-based management approach

Biography:

Rohit Kumar is a consultant neonatologist working in a tertiary referral center. He serves as the Clinical Lead for Risk Management and Infectious Diseases and is the Neonatal Representative to the Regional Transfusion Medicine Committee, as well as the Preterm Birth and Intrapartum Care Group. He has regularly presented at various international conferences and published in reputed peer-reviewed journals. For the past decade, he has also been a key member of the organizing committee for the “Annual International Neonatal Conference” held in Middlesbrough.