Neonatal screening parameters in infants with congenital Cytomegalovirus infection

- Use of routine neonatal screening data in relation to cCMV and cCMV outcome
- Limitation in the use of neonatal screening data as prognostic markers for long-term clinical outcome
- Possible effect of cCMV in the metabolism of amino acids in preterm infants
- Possible effect of higher CMV viral loads in the metabolism of longer chain fatty acids

Congenital Cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections worldwide that can cause long-term impairment (LTI). The metabolic alterations due to cCMV are largely unknown. This study aims to assess the metabolites included in the neonatal screening in relation to cCMV and cCMV outcome, allowing the identification of prognostic markers for clinical outcome. Essential amino acids, hormones, carnitines and enzymes from Dried Blood Spots (DBS) were analyzed of 102 children with cCMV and 179 children without cCMV, and they were related to symptoms at birth and LTI at 6 years of age. In this cohort, the neonatal screening parameters did not change in relation to cCMV, nor to symptoms at birth or LTI. However, metabolic changes were observed in children born preterm, with lower concentrations of essential amino acids in premature infants with cCMV compared to premature controls. Finally, a higher concentration of palmytoilcarnitine (C16) in the group with higher viral load was observed. Though these data demonstrate limitations in the use of neonatal screening data as predictors for long-term cCMV outcome, the metabolism of preterm neonates with cCMV merits further evaluation.