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Published on: October 5, 2015
Cytomegalovirus infection in patients with glomerular diseases treated with cyclophosphamide: a single-center
Gizem Kumru Sahin1,2, Sahin Eyupoglu3, Rezzan Eren Sadioglu3
1Department of Nephrology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. gizemkumru@gmail.com.
Purpose:
Cytomegalovirus infection is an important complication in immunocompromised patients. As few studies have shown that cyclophosphamide treatment is a risk factor for cytomegalovirus infection in patients with glomerulonephritis, we aimed to describe the frequency and risk factors of cytomegalovirus infection in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide.
Methods:
We prospectively recruited 43 cytomegalovirus seropositive patients with glomerulonephritis treated with cyclophosphamide. We screened all patients for viral DNA monthly during treatment. Patients were compared for age, sex, glomerular pathology, renal function and clinical status regarding development of cytomegalovirus infection before and after the treatment.
Results:
Cytomegalovirus infection was detected in 10 (23.3%) patients, most commonly within the first 2 months of cyclophosphamide treatment. All patients recovered without any cytomegalovirus-related complications. Patients with cytomegalovirus infection had higher serum creatinine (4.2 ± 3.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.8 mg/dl, p = 0.006) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (29 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.016) at diagnosis compared with cytomegalovirus infection non-occurred patients. In addition, number of patients presented with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis were higher in cytomegalovirus infection group (80.0% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.007). Moreover, cytomegalovirus infection was associated with prolonged hospital stay (54 ± 7 vs. 29 ± 6 days, p = 0.027).
Conclusion:
Cytomegalovirus infection is a common complication in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide in this prospective study. Routine monitoring and prophylaxis should be considered for these high-risk patients.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus infection is common in glomerulonephritis patients on cyclophosphamide, occurring in 23.3%. Higher creatinine and lower eGFR were risk factors, suggesting monitoring is crucial for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant concern in immunocompromised individuals.
- Cyclophosphamide treatment is a potential risk factor for CMV infection, particularly in patients with glomerulonephritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of CMV infection in glomerulonephritis patients receiving cyclophosphamide.
- To identify risk factors associated with CMV infection in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 43 CMV-seropositive glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide.
- Monthly screening for CMV viral DNA during treatment.
- Comparison of clinical and pathological factors between patients who developed CMV infection and those who did not.
Main Results:
- CMV infection was detected in 23.3% of patients, primarily within two months of cyclophosphamide treatment.
- Patients with CMV infection exhibited higher serum creatinine and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at diagnosis.
- Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and prolonged hospital stay were associated with CMV infection.
Conclusions:
- CMV infection is a frequent complication in glomerulonephritis patients undergoing cyclophosphamide therapy.
- Routine monitoring and prophylactic strategies are recommended for high-risk patients to mitigate CMV complications.
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