Related Experiment Videos
Cytomegalovirus enteritis: a highly lethal condition requiring early detection and intervention
M J Page1, J C Dreese, L S Poritz
1Department of Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033-0850, USA.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|May 21, 1998
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis can affect healthy individuals, leading to high mortality. Delayed treatment and older age increase the risk of death from CMV enteritis, even in those not typically considered high-risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis is typically associated with immunosuppressed individuals, such as transplant recipients or those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Existing studies on CMV enteritis are often small, lacking clear definitions of risk factors and mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors and mortality rates in patients with biopsy-proven CMV enteritis.
- To identify patient populations at risk for CMV enteritis and adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 67 patients with biopsy-proven CMV enteritis.
- Classification of patients into four groups: HIV-positive, transplant, other immunosuppressed, and healthy individuals.
- Statistical assessment of mortality rates based on medical condition, disease location, treatment, age, and time to treatment.
Main Results:
- Mortality was highest in healthy individuals (80%) compared to transplant (21%), other immunosuppressed (44%), and HIV-positive (75%) groups.
- Older age (>65 years) and delayed treatment initiation were associated with statistically increased mortality.
- No significant difference in mortality was observed based on the intestinal location of CMV infection or treatment modality.
Conclusions:
- CMV enteritis can be lethal in patient populations not typically considered at risk, including healthy individuals.
- Mortality is negatively influenced by age over 65 and delayed treatment, irrespective of infection site or treatment type.
- The high mortality in healthy individuals may stem from a lower index of suspicion and delayed therapeutic intervention.