Nearly one quarter of the deaf children who have disabilities incurred in the womb. That physicians have of the Leiden University Medical Center LUMC discovered. The doctors, too little is known about the so-called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which about half of the Dutch ever in his life touches. A CMV infection can have serious consequences if an unborn child is infected via the mother. Then, hearing or vision problems, hepatic dysfunction, impaired mental development, or to a small head is not excluded.
The doctors therefore recommend all pregnant women to look good on their hygiene, so they made known Thursday. A CMV infection is in itself harmless and usually goes unnoticed. The virus is found in urine and saliva and preserves much around for young children. For this reason, pregnant women, who often find themselves in a rich environment for children, pay attention and observe strict hygiene.
A CMV infection in newborns remains mostly unnoticed. Still takes 15 percent of the children continued hearing on the infection, according to the Leiden doctors.
This is usually only become apparent when the children have difficulties with language and speech. It is possible to a much earlier to detect CMV infection via the heel prick, all babies get. If there is an infection, the child shortly after birth anti-viral resources.
The Leiden physicians to investigate whether screening for CMV virus meaningful and financially feasible. Do it within the so-called Decibel study of the LUMC. The study work paediatricians, microbiologists and epidemiologists together.
