Congenital Cytomegalovirus Knowledge, Practices, and Beliefs Among Primary Care Physicians and Newborn Hospitalists.

BACKGROUND

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) affects 1 in every 200 United States infants, at present there are 9 states which mandate newborn cCMV screening. With more infants being diagnosed, more children will need continuing care from providers who are knowledgeable about cCMV.

OBJECTIVES

To examine pediatric provider knowledge, practices, and beliefs around cCMV.

METHODS

Primary care and newborn hospitalist pediatricians (N = 103) from Michigan, who "regularly care for infants" were invited to participate in a survey about their cCMV-related knowledge, clinical practices, and beliefs.

RESULTS

Respondents had low knowledge of typical cCMV presentation and sequelae, with mixed knowledge of screening and testing standards. Most (68%) reported rarely/never screening for cCMV, though 71% strongly agreed/agreed that primary care providers should test for cCMV. Most (90%) strongly agreed/agreed that infants who fail/refer on their newborn hearing screen should be tested for cCMV, yet 81% expressed not being comfortable diagnosing and managing cCMV. Most (72%) felt that cCMV was not sufficiently covered in their medical training; almost all respondents endorsed interest in learning more.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary care and newborn hospitalists in this study expressed mixed knowledge about, infrequent practice of and low comfort with screening and caring for children with cCMV. This may present a prime opportunity for education and clinician support by professional organizations.