What complication is associated with congenital cytomegalovirus infection?

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the leading causes of non-genetic hearing loss in children. When a pregnant woman becomes infected with CMV, especially during the first trimester, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus. This can lead to various complications, but sensorineural hearing loss is particularly significant and prevalent among affected infants.

In approximately 10% of those born with congenital CMV, the hearing loss may manifest at birth or develop later, which can profoundly impact language and developmental milestones. This association between CMV and sensorineural hearing loss is well-documented in pediatric literature, making it a critical consideration in newborn screening and follow-up care.

Other options, while they may present in certain contexts or with different congenital infections, are not the hallmark complications directly tied to CMV. For instance, growth retardation and congenital heart defects are associated with various genetic and environmental factors, whereas congenital hypothyroidism has its own set of etiologies. Hence, sensorineural hearing loss stands out distinctly as a recognized complication of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.