CMV Research Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you less than 24 weeks pregnant with one baby and plan to deliver at Magee? You may be able to take part in a research study to screen for CMV (cytomegalovirus). Babies born to mothers infected with CMV can suffer hearing loss, learning difficulties, and other complications. Screening involves having a teaspoon of the mother’s blood drawn and sent to a laboratory. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that usually causes no signs or symptoms in healthy adults. However, pregnant women infected with CMV can pass the infection to their unborn babies. Some infected babies may suffer hearing or vision loss, small size, learning disabilities, and other problems. Testing pregnant women for CMV is not currently part of routine prenatal care, and the best way to manage pregnant women who are infected with CMV is uncertain. The purpose of this research study is to test pregnant women for CMV infection. Participants who test positive for CMV may be eligible for an additional research study.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Women less than 24 weeks pregnant with one baby
• Not previously infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Receiving care and planning to deliver at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves a blood test to see if you have been infected with CMV. The study team will try to schedule this blood draw to occur at the same time as your routine prenatal bloodwork at Magee. Otherwise, a study team member will draw your blood at another time. The blood draw will take about 15 minutes. You will be informed of the results of the CMV antibody test. If you have been exposed to CMV, the study team will notify your care provider and you will be approached by the study team to see if you would like to participate in the full study.