[Analysis of cytomegalovirus infection and its consequences in renal transplantation: a decade analysis]

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most important pathogens in renal transplant patients. It can cause infection and illness, as well as serious direct and indirect consequences.

Descriptive retrospective observational study of all kidney transplants performed in the Hospital La Fe of Valencia between 1994 and 2005 (n=996). The diagnosis of CMV disease and disease was performed by serology, culture, pp65 antigenemia determination or quantification of CMV-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in peripheral blood. Prophylaxis included acyclovir in 20 patients (2.4%), ganciclovir in 478 (56.8%), valganciclovir in 166 (19.7%) and none in 178 (21%).

CMV serology was positive in 802 donors (83%) and in 860 recipients (89%). Among the recipients who suffered from CMV disease (N=60), four lost the graft and six died. Early infection and early disease were significantly more frequent (p<0.05) in positive donor-negative recipient cases (D+/R-). Having early or late infection was associated with death from any cause (OR 2.03, CI 95% 1.24 to 3.31, p<0.05). Early or late CMV infection was associated with increased graft loss from any cause (OR 1.97, CI 95% 1.14 to 3.43, p<0.05). After logistic regression, the association between CMV infection and death from all causes remained significant.

In renal transplant patients, having CMV infection was associated with death from any cause.