title: Antenatal interventions for preventing the transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) from the mother to fetus during pregnancy and adverse outcomes in the congenitally infected infant.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus and the most common cause of congenital infection in developed countries. Congenital CMV infection can have devastating consequences to the fetus. The high incidence and the serious morbidity associated with congenital CMV infection emphasise the need for effective interventions to prevent the antenatal transmission of CMV infection.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to assess the benefits and harms of interventions used during pregnancy to prevent mother to fetus transmission of CMV infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 December 2010).
  
  
  METHODS
  All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi RCTs investigating antenatal interventions for preventing the transmission of CMV from the mother to fetus during pregnancy and adverse outcomes in the congenitally infected infant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified six studies from the search. None of these studies met the pre-defined criteria for inclusion in this review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To date, no RCTs are available that examine antenatal interventions for preventing the transmission of CMV from the infected mother to fetus during pregnancy and adverse outcomes in the congenitally infected infant. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of interventions aimed at preventing the transmission of CMV from the mother to fetus during pregnancy including a long-term follow-up of exposed infants and a cost effective analysis.
authors.affiliation: Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Fergus P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Giles
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rowlands
authors.forename: Kara J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Purcell
authors.forename: Cheryl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000151:congenital / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000821:virology*; D011295:Prenatal Care