The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and ophthalmological disorders that occur in children and record the frequency and type of eye disorders that occur from the infection. Of 449 potential studies, 17 met the inclusion criteria. All were cohort studies from 1977 to 2020 with a total of 1038 children. All but one study grouped patients to symptoms (378 of 1000 children) and asymptomatic (622 of 1000 children). Two studies did not report ophthalmic disorders. Of the remaining studies, the sample totalled 977 children. Ophthalmic disorders in 306 of 977 children included chorioretinitis, macular scarring, peripheral retinal scarring, strabismus, cortical visual impairment, optic nerve atrophy, astigmatism, nystagmus, anterior segment findings, amblyopia, cupping and retinal detachment. Nine studies reported vision measures tested in 556 children. Eight studies reported antiviral treatment for 72/390 children. The exact mechanism for the cause of eye disorders after congenital CMV infection is unknown. However, descriptive evidence suggests high tropism of CMV for nerve cells. The greatest risk is during the first trimester of pregnancy or early second trimester during the formation of the nervous system. The authors recommend screening and regular ophthalmic examination for children born with congenital MV to detect and preserve vision.
Eye disorders occurring in congenital CMV
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection and ophthalmological disorders: a systematic review.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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