Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
06:45
A Modified Cuff Technique for Mouse Cervical Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Model
Published on: February 7, 2022
4.1K
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Recurrent Cytomegalovirus Infection in Heart Transplant Recipients
Vaisak O Nair1, Zachary A Yetmar2, Bismarck S Bisono-Garcia1
1Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Clinical Transplantation
|October 27, 2025
Summary
About one in five heart transplant recipients experienced recurrent cytomegalovirus infections (CMVi) after treatment. Previous CMV disease and seroconversion protected against recurrence, while lymphopenia may indicate higher risk.
Area of Science:
- Transplant medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus infections (CMVi) are a significant concern in heart transplant recipients.
- Recurrent CMVi can lead to serious complications and impact patient outcomes.
- Understanding risk factors for recurrence is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of recurrent clinically significant CMVi (csCMVi) in heart transplant patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with the development of recurrent csCMVi.
- To evaluate the impact of recurrent csCMVi on all-cause mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of adult heart transplant recipients from January 2011 to March 2019.
- Inclusion criteria: history of csCMVi (defined as CMV disease or infection requiring preemptive therapy).
- Follow-up from primary csCMVi treatment completion to assess recurrent csCMVi and mortality.
Main Results:
- 22.4% of 98 patients experienced recurrent csCMVi, with a median time to recurrence of 31.5 days.
- Previous CMV disease and seroconversion were protective against recurrence (HR 0.29 and HR 0.07, respectively).
- Lymphopenia showed a trend towards increased recurrence risk (HR 2.13, p=0.093), and recurrent csCMVi was not significantly associated with mortality.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 20% of heart transplant recipients with csCMVi experience recurrence.
- CMV disease and seroconversion are protective factors against csCMVi recurrence.
- Lymphopenia may serve as a biomarker for stratifying recurrence risk in these patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
168
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
168
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
13.2K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.2K
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
207
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
207
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
333
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
333
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
704
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
704
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
473
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
473