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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
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Pulmonary involvement during cytomegalovirus infection in immunosuppressed patients

E F de Maar1, E A M Verschuuren, M C Harmsen

  • 1Renal Transplantation Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. e.f.de.maar@int.azg.nl

Transplant Infectious Disease : an Official Journal of the Transplantation Society
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis remains a lethal risk post-transplant. Early diagnosis via pp65 antigenemia assay aids in managing CMV viremia and preventing severe lung complications in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses a significant risk for severe complications, including pneumonitis, in solid organ transplant recipients.
  • While less frequent due to advancements, CMV pneumonitis can be lethal.
  • Subclinical pulmonary involvement in CMV viremia is detectable even before symptoms manifest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and subclinical pulmonary manifestations of CMV infection in immunocompromised individuals, particularly transplant recipients.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of CMV pneumonitis, covering its clinical course, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on clinical studies, diagnostic advancements, and therapeutic strategies for CMV pulmonary involvement.
  • Discussion of pathophysiology and clinical presentation of CMV pneumonitis in the context of immunosuppression.

Main Results:

  • The pp65 antigenemia assay allows for early and rapid detection of CMV viremia in transplant patients.
  • Decreased pulmonary diffusion capacity can be observed in asymptomatic patients with CMV viremia.
  • CMV pneumonitis, though infrequent, remains a critical concern with potentially fatal outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and management of CMV viremia are crucial for preventing severe pulmonary complications in transplant recipients.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology and clinical spectrum of CMV pneumonitis is essential for effective patient care.
  • Prophylaxis and timely therapeutic interventions are key to mitigating the risks associated with CMV pulmonary disease.

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