Congenital cytomegalovirus: implications for maternal-child nursing

MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2014 Mar-Apr;39(2):122-9; quiz 130-1. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000008.

Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading infectious cause of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Despite its prevalence and devastating consequences, there is limited public and professional awareness about it. This practice-focused article presents two stories describing the family experience of congenital CMV; a literature review describing incidence and epidemiology of congenital CMV; sequelae including infection; the extent of public awareness about congenital CMV; and risk reduction approaches. Implications for maternal-child nurses, whose work uniquely situates them with populations of childbearing women, are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Abnormalities / genetics
  • Congenital Abnormalities / pathology
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / congenital*
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / statistics & numerical data
  • Maternal-Child Nursing / methods*
  • Perinatal Care / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / genetics
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / pathology