An observational study to assess Italian obstetrics providers' knowledge about preventive practices and diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus

Objectives: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can be easily prevented by hygienic measures. Up to date the majority of the studies in literature highlighted a reduction in cCMV antenatal counseling and its prevention. Our purpose was to evaluate obstetrics providers' knowledge about cCMV infection, management and the behavioral practices to avoid it. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey carried out in Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome between November 2019 and January 2020. We recruited 148 specialists and residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology through online anonymous multiple-choice 13-questions, 10 min-survey comparing responses between the two groups. Results: A total of 94.6% of all participants said they always prescribe cytomegalovirus (CMV) serum screening: 73.6% of them regularly counsel about preventive practices, with specialists recording higher percentages (85.4 vs. 65.1%, p<0.005). We identified a good knowledge about the diagnostic pathway, but only 58.1% of our population knows the correct time of late amniocentesis. 12.2% of providers do not consider magnetic resonance (MRI) as a complementary exam. Conclusions: Prevention of maternal seroconversion is crucial: even if our data show an acceptable knowledge about antenatal counseling, we encourage clinicians to firmly inform and educate women about behavioral measures.

Automated summary

The survey conducted at Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome showed that obstetrics providers have good knowledge about cCMV infection and its management, but there are still some providers who do not consider certain diagnostic and treatment methods seriously.