A single-center experience with ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus in lung transplant recipients: treatment and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation despite ganciclovir prophylaxis. The emergence of ganciclovir-resistant CMV in lung transplant patients has been reported, although the optimal strategy for the management of these infections remains uncertain. A review of the results of glanciclovir susceptibility testing in lung transplant recipients was performed. METHODS: We found 54% (113 of 210) of lung transplant patients developed CMV infection over a 4-year study period with ganciclovir-resistant CMV infection occurring in >5% of patients (6 of 113). The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who developed ganciclovir-resistant vs -sensitive CMV infection were similar, although 50% (3 of 6) patients who developed resistance were CMV mismatched (D(+)/R(-) serology). All patients' CMV isolates had mutations in the UL97 gene. In addition, the 3 mismatch patients also had CMV with mutations in the UL54 gene. RESULTS: Treatment with a combination of foscarnet and ganciclovir or foscarnet alone for ganciclovir-resistant infection led to a significant reduction in virologic load in all patients (p = 0.03), although transient increases in viremia were observed in some patients early after treatment. Renal function worsened after treatment, but overall it was not significantly different from pre-treatment values (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Single or combination therapy with foscarnet is effective for treatment of ganciclovir-resistant isolates and excessive concern regarding toxicity should not preclude consideration of these treatments when clinically indicated.

Duke Scholars

Author Scott Michael Palmer Jr. Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine

Author Aimee Kirsch Zaas Medicine, Infectious Diseases