Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Solid-Organ Transplant Patients in the First Year After Transplantation

Abstract

Objectives: Cytomegalovirus infection is an important problem for transplantation. Although effective antivirals for prophylaxis or preemptive therapy have reduced the severity and consequences of infection, cytomegalovirus viremia and cytomegalovirusrelated disease are still matters for patients and for graft survival. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of cytomegalovirus infections during the first year after transplant. Materials and Methods: In this study, we analyzed the data of 252 liver and kidney transplant patients who had procedures between May 2016 and May 2020. Demographic and laboratory data of patients were recorded retrospectively and analyzed with the SPSS version 25 statistical program. Results: Our study included 35 liver (14%) and 217 kidney transplant recipients. The ratio of male to female was 3.8, and the median age was 41 years (range, 18-71 years). In our study group, there were 32 patients (12.7%) with cytomegalovirus DNAemia, 13 patients (5%) with cytomegalovirus syndrome, and 6 patients (2.4%) with cytomegalovirus endorgan diseases. Four patients were diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease with histopathology, and 2 patients were diagnosed with cytomegalovirus pneumonia with bronchoscopy and radiology. The mortality rate was 0.8% in the first year. Conclusions: Cytomegalovirus reactivations in the first year after transplant play a critical role on graft survival in solid- organ transplant. Regular follow-up of cytomegalovirus DNAemia is crucial for modifying prophylactic and preemptive antiviral regimens.