Postlung transplant survival is equivalent regardless of cytomegalovirus match status

Mark J Russo1, David I Sternberg, Kimberly N Hong

  • 1Lung Transplant Program and International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovation Research, Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) matching status no longer impacts lung transplant survival in the current era. Aggressive CMV prophylaxis means CMV mismatch should not prevent lung allograft offers.

Area of Science:

  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologic status in organ donors and recipients can influence post-transplant outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of CMV matching on lung transplant survival is crucial for optimizing patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the relationship between donor-recipient CMV serologic status and lung transplant survival in the current era.
  • To analyze temporal trends in post-transplant survival based on CMV matching status over time.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized de-identified data from the United Network for Organ Sharing for lung transplants.
  • Compared post-transplant survival among CMV serologic groups (D+/R-, D+/-/R+, D-/R-) from 2000-2004.
  • Analyzed temporal survival trends from 1990-2004 using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Main Results:

  • In the 2000-2004 era, no significant differences in survival were observed across CMV matching groups.
  • Earlier eras (1990-1999) showed significant survival differences based on CMV status.
  • Survival improved over time for D+/R- and D+/-/R+ groups, but not for D-/R-.

Conclusions:

  • Current lung transplant survival is statistically equivalent regardless of CMV match status.
  • CMV mismatch should not be a reason to refuse a lung allograft offer due to effective CMV prophylaxis.
  • These findings support broader acceptance criteria for lung allografts.
Abstract