A retrospective study of cytomegalovirus pneumonia in renal transplant patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate an optimal prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia in renal transplant recipients. A total of 83 kidney transplant recipients who had been diagnosed with CMV pneumonia between January 2008 and December 2011 were enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned to a standard or improved group based on the prophylaxis administered. The retrospective study was undertaken to compare the incidence of CMV pneumonia, cure rate or recovery rate and mortality between the two groups. The results indicated that a longer duration of prophylaxis with oral ganciclovir effectively reduced the risk of CMV pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients. Treatments, including early withdrawal of immunosuppressants, regular use of glucocorticosteroids and careful supportive therapy, were beneficial in controlling CMV pneumonia. Furthermore, antibody induction therapy may not increase the risk of CMV pneumonia in kidney recipients administered proper prophylaxis [3-month course of oral ganciclovir and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMZ-TMP)]. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that a longer duration of prophylaxis with oral ganciclovir, withdrawal of immunosuppressants and regular use of glucocorticosteroids may be improved treatments for CMV pneumonia.