Abstract Details
10/09/2023 | 11:15 AM - 11:40 AM | 6619
EHDI and Universal cCMV Screening
Abstract Summary
Minnesota began universal newborn screening for CMV in February 2023. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is intricately tied to childhood hearing loss. Approximately 50% with symptomatic cCMV will develop hearing loss (Fowler, 2013) and about 10% of babies who are asymptomatic (appear healthy at birth) may develop health problems, including hearing loss, over time. Additionally, vestibular disorders are known to occur frequently in children with both symptomatic and asymptomatic cCMV. To ensure optimal outcomes, infants/children diagnosed with cCMV infection will need more frequent audiologic monitoring to detect emerging hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction, identify progression of existing hearing loss, and plan appropriate intervention. Due to variances in national recommendations and inconsistent local protocols, the Minnesota Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Advisory Committee established a Minnesota-specific guideline for hearing follow-up and monitoring to ensure consistent standards of care for all Minnesota children. In this presentation, we will outline the process, framework, and timeline for audiological and vestibular monitoring from the new Minnesota cCMV audiology guidelines and key lessons learned to date. The goal of state EHDI programs is to ensure infants and children are receiving appropriate and timely services, including screening follow-up, evaluation, diagnosis, and early intervention (EI) in order to improve outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). While screening results are consistently reported to our EHDI Information System, many clinical programs continue to face challenges in timely diagnosis. We expect the addition of universal cCMV screening and associated diagnostic follow-up to change EHDI outcomes for children in Minnesota in general.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss process, framework, and timeline for audiology and vestibular monitoring for cCMV
- Review how universal cCMV screening has impacted EHDI follow-up in Minnesota
- Describe key lessons learned to date
Presentation
3440589_16115KirstenCoverstone.pdf
Handouts
No handouts have been uploaded.
Presenters
Kirsten Coverstone | POC-Point of Contact, Primary Presenter, Author
kirsten.coverstone@state.mn.us;
Dr. Kirsten Coverstone is an audiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Newborn Screening Program. As a coordinator of Minnesota’s EHDI program, Kirsten has worked at the local, state, and national levels to support best practice for universal newborn screening, timely & complete audiologic follow-up for hearing, and early access to intervention. In addition, Kirsten implemented the statewide hearing instrument loaner program for infants and young children in Minnesota. Universal screening, education, and follow-up for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been a longstanding aspiration as cCMV is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss and is intricately related to EHDI. She has served as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH), & Co-Chair of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) EHDI Data Committee.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Annikka Strong | Co-Author
annikka.strong@state.mn.us;
Annikka works with the Minnesota Department of Health, Newborn Screening Program, Point of Care team. She provides follow-up for Minnesota babies' inpatient newborn screening results and audiology journey.
She also coordinates follow-up on lost to follow-up cases sent to Local Public Health contacts and leads audiologic follow-up for confirmed congenital CMV cases.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Darcia Dierking | Co-Author
darcia.dierking@state.mn.us;
Darcia Dierking is a pediatric audiologist and MDH EHDI Co-Coordinator. Darcia has more than 20 years of experience as a clinical and research audiologist, with research projects primarily focusing on otoacoustic emissions and hearing devices. Darcia has worked in four states and has experience teaching hospital staff and Early Head Start staff about hearing screening. As a part of the MDH EHDI program, she works in longitudinal follow-up after identification. She works with many grant recipients and stakeholders in government, healthcare, education and family organizations to make EHDI system improvements.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Amanda Pavan | Co-Author
amanda.pavan@state.mn.us;
Amanda is an Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Newborn Screening Program. Amanda has a Ph.D. in medical geography with expertise in epidemiology, spatial analysis, maternal-child health, and environmental health.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Melanie Wege | Co-Author
melanie.wege@state.mn.us;
Melanie Wege is a board certified audiologist who joined the Minnesota EHDI Team after 17 years as a clinical audiologist with a primary interest in pediatric diagnosis and follow-up. Her focus with the Minnesota EHDI Team is to provide education, support, and ongoing quality system improvement strategies to all providers involved with infant hearing screening and follow-up.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.