Low‐dose valganciclovir prohylaxis is efficacious and safe in cytomegalovirus seropositive heart transplant recipients with anti‐thymocyte globulin

• DOI: 10.1111/tid.12868
• Publication Date: 2018-03-07T09:22:36Z
• Authors: Mari Eriksson; Janne J. Jokinen; Sanni Söderlund; Pekka Hämmäinen; Jyri Lommi; Karl Lemström
• Keywords: Valganciclovir; Anti-thymocyte globulin; Cytomegalovirus; Regimen; Chemoprophylaxis; Serostatus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains an important pathogen in solid organ transplant patients.We executed a hybrid prophylactic and pre-emptive valganciclovir (VGCV) prophylaxis to prevent CMV infection heart patients with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction retrospectively evaluated the efficacy safety of this regimen.Hundred adult between 2004 2010 were included. Recipients serostatus D+/R- received VGCV 900 mg OD for 6 months 94.2% (81/86) R+ recipients low-dose 450 3 months. Blood was monitored until after cessation prophylaxis.All accomplished prophylaxis. The overall incidence disease 4% (4/100) it more frequent (P = .001). Three eighty-six (3.5%) had (one disease) while on prophylaxis, 2/3 still original significantly reduced renal dose though. There one late both groups. Ganciclovir/VGCV treatment successful all patients.The strategy ATG efficient safe. good results indicate that regimen did not lead clinically relevant resistance. Optimal dosage is essential throughout