Diagnosis of congenital infections in premature, low-birthweight newborns with intrauterine growth restriction caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Parvo-B 19, and Zika virus: a systematic review

Objectives To identify the prevalence of viral congenital infections in newborns classified as premature, low-birthweight, small for gestational age or intrauterine growth restriction. Methods The definition considered for selecting papers were: P as newborns younger than 28 days; V as low-birthweight, prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction; O as frequency of congenital infections with Cytomegalovirus, Parvovirus B19, Herpes Simplex, and Zika virus. The research was performed using EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS and MEDLINE databases, with no limitations on date and language. Results Eight studies were included. Manuscripts including Herpes Simplex, Zika virus or Parvovirus B19 did not fulfill the defined criteria. A wide variation in the frequency of CMV congenital infection (0-4.8%) was found, which might be attributed to regional and methodological differences between investigations. Conclusions Newborn characteristics associated with CMV congenital infections may direct investigations towards these patients with a higher probability of infection. However, as data are controversial, studies concerning screening of infection are important to define recommendations of diagnosis.

Automated summary

The study found a wide variation in the frequency of CMV congenital infection, which might be attributed to regional and methodological differences between investigations. Newborn characteristics associated with CMV congenital infections may direct investigations towards these patients with a higher probability of infection. However, as data are controversial, studies concerning screening of infection are important to define recommendations of diagnosis.