A Randomized Trial to Prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (CMV)
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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01376778 |
Recruitment Status
:
Recruiting
First Posted
: June 20, 2011
Last Update Posted
: July 21, 2017
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that usually presents with few if any side effects. When first infected, some people may have symptoms similar to mononucleosis (i.e., fatigue, weakness, fever, swollen glands). Most people in the United States are infected during childhood or as adults if they work around children. Pregnant women, who have not been infected with CMV in the past and become infected during pregnancy (i.e. a primary infection), may cause their babies to get infected with CMV. Babies that are infected may develop permanent disabilities including hearing loss and a small portion will die from the infection.
Currently it is not routine practice to screen pregnant women for CMV infection. Additionally, there is no agreement about how to evaluate and manage pregnant women infected with CMV for the first time. There is also no evidence that treatment is beneficial for the baby.
The purpose of this research study is to determine whether treating pregnant women who have a primary CMV infection with CMV antibodies will reduce the number of babies infected with CMV.
Condition or disease | Intervention/treatment | Phase |
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Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Maternal Cytomegalovirus Infection | Drug: CMV hyperimmune globulin Other: Placebo | Phase 3 |
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection, with approximately 44,000 congenitally infected infants in the U.S. per year. A substantial proportion of these infants will die or suffer permanent injury as a result of their infection. The severity of congenital infection is greatest with primary maternal CMV infection. Currently, there is no proven method of preventing congenital CMV infection, and the approach to primary maternal CMV infection in the United States is haphazard and ineffective. One small, non-randomized study suggests that maternal administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin may significantly reduce the rate of congenital CMV infection following maternal primary infection. The MFMU CMV Trial will address the primary research question: does maternal administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin lower the rate of congenital CMV infection among the offspring of women who have been diagnosed with primary CMV infection during early pregnancy?
The research study is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Fourteen medical centers across the country are participating in this research study. In all, 800 pregnant women who are identified with a primary CMV infection will be enrolled in this research study. The children of these women will be evaluated and tested at one and two years of age.
Study Type : | Interventional (Clinical Trial) |
Estimated Enrollment : | 800 participants |
Allocation: | Randomized |
Intervention Model: | Parallel Assignment |
Masking: | Double (Participant, Investigator) |
Primary Purpose: | Prevention |
Official Title: | A Randomized Trial to Prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
Study Start Date : | April 2012 |
Estimated Primary Completion Date : | May 2018 |
Estimated Study Completion Date : | December 2018 |

Arm | Intervention/treatment |
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Active Comparator: CMV hyperimmune globulin - Cytogam®
Infusion of Cytogam®, Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (CMV-IGIV)
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Drug: CMV hyperimmune globulin
The study's active drug is Cytogam® which is an immunoglobulin G (IgG) containing a standardized amount of antibody to CMV. This drug contains pooled adult human plasma selected for high titers of antibody for CMV, and is administered intravenously at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight.
Other Names:
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Placebo Comparator: Placebo
IV 5% albumin diluted 1 to 9 with 5% Dextrose in water (D5W)
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Other: Placebo
The matching placebo consists of AlbuRx® 5% diluted 1:9 with D5W. AlbuRx® 5% contains pooled adult human plasma.
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- Composite Outcome [ Time Frame: 3 weeks of life ]The primary outcome is defined as fetal loss (spontaneous or termination), confirmed fetal CMV infection from amniocentesis, neonatal death before assessment of CMV infection can be made, or neonatal congenital CMV infection. Neonatal congenital CMV infection is diagnosed by urine or saliva collected by 3 weeks of age that is positive for CMV by culture (the intent will be to obtain in the first two days of life). In the event that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is positive but culture is negative, a repeat culture must be positive by 3 weeks of age.
- Gestational hypertension [ Time Frame: 42 weeks of pregnancy ]
- Preeclampsia [ Time Frame: 42 weeks of pregnancy ]
- Placental abruption [ Time Frame: 42 weeks of pregnancy ]
- Gestational age at delivery [ Time Frame: 42 weeks of pregnancy ]Gestational age at delivery and preterm birth < 37 weeks' gestation or < 34 weeks' gestation
- Adverse reactions and side effects [ Time Frame: Up to 42 weeks of pregnancy ]
- Fetal and neonatal mortality [ Time Frame: 24 months ]
- Primary outcome excluding terminations [ Time Frame: 3 weeks of life ]
- Head circumference [ Time Frame: 3 days of life ]Measured within 72 hours of birth
- Birth weight [ Time Frame: 1 day of life ]
- Growth restriction [ Time Frame: 1 day of life ]Growth restriction defined as <5th percentile weight for gestational age, assessed specifically by sex and race of the infant based on United States birth certificate data
- Microcephaly [ Time Frame: 3 days of life ]
- Symptomatic CMV infection [ Time Frame: 3 weeks of life ]Symptomatic CMV infection defined as CMV isolated from an amniocentesis, or urine or saliva during the first three weeks of life and at least one of the following: jaundice, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, growth restriction, failure to thrive, intracerebral calcifications, microcephaly, hypotonia, seizures, petechial rash, hearing loss, interstitial pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, hepatitis, chorioretinitis, or CMV in cerebrospinal fluid
- Intraventricular hemorrhage [ Time Frame: 1 day of life ]Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) as determined by cranial ultrasounds performed as part of routine clinical care and classified based on the Papile classification system
- Ventriculomegaly [ Time Frame: 1 day of life ]
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]This diagnosis will be reached when an ophthalmologic examination of the retina has been performed and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is diagnosed at Stage I (demarcation line in the retina) or greater.
- Respiratory distress syndrome [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) defined as the presence of clinical signs of respiratory distress (tachypnea, retractions, flaring, grunting, or cyanosis), with an oxygen requirement and a chest x-ray that shows hypoventilation and reticulogranular infiltrates.
- Chronic lung disease [ Time Frame: 28 days of life ]Chronic lung disease, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) defined as oxygen requirement at 28 days of life.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), defined as modified Bell Stage 2 or 3. Stage 2: Clinical signs and symptoms with pneumatosis intestinalis on radiographs. Stage 3: Advanced clinical signs and symptoms, pneumatosis, impending or proven intestinal perforation.
- Hyperbilirubinemia [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]Peak total bilirubin of at least 15 mg% or the use of phototherapy
- Neonatal infectious morbidity [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]
- Sepsis (within 72 hours and > 72 hours after birth).
- Suspected sepsis.
- Pneumonia.
- Seizures / encephalopathy [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]
- Length of hospital stay [ Time Frame: participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay, an expected average of 4 weeks ]Length of hospital stay, need for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or intermediate care admission and length of stay if admitted
- Infant or child death [ Time Frame: 2 years of age ]
- Sensorineural hearing loss [ Time Frame: 12 and 24 months corrected age ](unilateral and bilateral)
- Chorioretinitis [ Time Frame: 2 years of age ]Chorioretinitis defined by ophthalmologic exam
- Cognitive and Motor Scores from the Bayley Certified Scales of Infant Development III [ Time Frame: 12 and 24 months corrected age ]
- Infant/Child composite outcome [ Time Frame: 2 years of age ]
Composite outcome at 24 months including any of the following attributable to congenital CMV infection:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (unilateral and bilateral)
- Developmental delay defined as Cognitive score < 70 or Motor score < 70 on the Bayley III
- Chorioretinitis
- Fetal loss or death of neonate, infant or child

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Ages Eligible for Study: | Child, Adult, Senior |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | Female |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | Yes |
Inclusion Criteria:
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Diagnosis of primary maternal CMV infection on the basis of one of the following:
- A positive CMV Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody and low-avidity maternal CMV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody screen
- Evidence of maternal seroconversion with development of CMV IgG antibody following a prior negative CMV screen
- Gestational age at randomization no later than 23 weeks 6 days based on clinical information and evaluation of the earliest ultrasound; or no later than 27 weeks 6 days for women with a positive IgM, negative IgG initially screened before 23 weeks who are rescreened after 2-4 weeks and have evidence of IgG seroconversion.
- Singleton pregnancy. A twin pregnancy reduced to singleton (either spontaneously or therapeutically) before 14 weeks by project gestational age is acceptable.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Maternal CMV infection pre-dating pregnancy as defined by a high IgG avidity index or a positive IgG in the presence of a negative IgM.
- Known hypersensitivity to plasma or plasma derived products
- Planned termination of pregnancy
- Known major fetal anomalies or demise
- Maternal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency
- Planned use of immune globulin, ganciclovir, or valganciclovir
- Maternal renal disease (most recent pre-randomization serum creatinine ≥ 1.4 mg/dL; all women must have serum creatinine measured during the pregnancy and prior to randomization)
- Maternal immune impairment (e.g., HIV infection, organ transplant on anti-rejection medications)
- Findings on pre-randomization ultrasound suggestive of established fetal CMV infection (cerebral ventriculomegaly, microcephaly, cerebral or intra-abdominal calcifications, abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume, echogenic bowel or ascites). Abnormally low amniotic fluid volume is defined as no fluid prior to 14 weeks or maximum vertical pocket < 2 cm on or after 14 weeks gestation. Abnormally high amniotic fluid volume is defined as > 10 cm.
- Positive fetal CMV findings from culture (amniotic fluid) or PCR.
- Congenital infection with rubella, syphilis, varicella, parvovirus or toxoplasmosis diagnosed by serology and ultrasound or amniotic fluid testing.
- Intention of the patient or of the managing obstetricians for the delivery to be outside a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU) Network center
- Participation in another interventional study that influences fetal or neonatal death
- Unwilling or unable to commit to 2 year follow-up of the infant

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01376778
Contact: Uma Reddy, MD, MPH | 301-496-1074 | Uma.Reddy@nih.gov | |
Contact: Elizabeth Thom, PhD | 301-881-9260 |
United States, Alabama | |
University of Alabama - Birmingham | Recruiting |
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35233 | |
Contact: Stacy Harris, BSN 205-996-6262 stacylharris@uabmc.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Alan T Tita, MD | |
United States, California | |
Stanford University | Active, not recruiting |
Stanford, California, United States, 94305-5317 | |
United States, Colorado | |
University of Colorado Denver | Active, not recruiting |
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045 | |
United States, Illinois | |
Northwestern University | Recruiting |
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611 | |
Contact: Gail Mallett, BSN 312-503-3200 g-mallett@northwestern.edu | |
Principal Investigator: William Grobman, MD | |
United States, New York | |
Columbia University | Recruiting |
New York, New York, United States, 10032 | |
Contact: Sabine Bousleiman 212-305-4348 sb1080@columbia.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD | |
United States, North Carolina | |
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | Recruiting |
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599 | |
Contact: Kelly Clark, RN 919-350-6117 kelly_clark@med.unc.edu | |
Principal Investigator: John M Thorp, Jr., MD | |
Duke University | Recruiting |
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710 | |
Contact: Jennifer Ferrara, RN 919-681-6176 jennifer.ferrara@duke.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Geeta Swamy, MD | |
United States, Ohio | |
Case Western Reserve-Metrohealth | Recruiting |
Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44109 | |
Contact: Wendy Dalton, RN 216-778-7533 wdalton@metrohealth.org | |
Principal Investigator: Edward Chien, MD | |
Ohio State University | Recruiting |
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210 | |
Contact: Anna Bartholomew, RN, BSN 614-685-3229 anna.bartholomew@osumc.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Catalin Buhimschi, MD | |
United States, Pennsylvania | |
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania | Not yet recruiting |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104 | |
Contact: Jennifer Craig, BSN 212-662-3926 jennifer.craig@uphs.upenn.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Samuel Parry, MD | |
Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC | Not yet recruiting |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213 | |
Contact: Melissa Bickus, BSN, RN 412-641-4072 mbickus@mail.magee.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Hyagriv Simhan, MD | |
United States, Rhode Island | |
Brown University | Recruiting |
Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02905 | |
Contact: Donna Allard, RNC 401-274-1122 ext 8522 dallard@wihri.org | |
Principal Investigator: Dwight Rouse, MD | |
United States, Texas | |
University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center | Active, not recruiting |
Dallas, Texas, United States, 75235 | |
University of Texas - Galveston | Recruiting |
Galveston, Texas, United States, 77555 | |
Contact: Ashley Salazar, MSN 409-747-1733 assalaza@utmb.edu | |
Principal Investigator: George R Saade, MD | |
University of Texas - Houston | Recruiting |
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030 | |
Contact: Felecia Ortiz, RN 713-500-6467 Felecia.Ortiz@uth.tmc.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Suneet Chauhan, MD | |
Sub-Investigator: Baha Sibai, MD | |
United States, Utah | |
University of Utah Medical Center | Recruiting |
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84132 | |
Contact: Kim Hill, RN 801-585-7645 Kim.Hill@hsc.utah.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Michael W Varner, MD |
Study Director: | Uma Reddy, MD, MPH | Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) | |
Principal Investigator: | Elizabeth Thom, PhD | George Washington University | |
Study Chair: | Brenna Anderson, MD | Brown University |
Keywords provided by The George Washington University Biostatistics Center:
Perinatology Cytomegalovirus immune globulin Cytogam CMVIG infusions |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Infection Communicable Diseases Cytomegalovirus Infections |
Herpesviridae Infections DNA Virus Infections Virus Diseases |