Cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplantation: clinical aspects, management and the perspectives

Molecular diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus infection: clinical performance of the Aptima transcription-mediated amplification assay toward conventional qPCR chemistry on whole blood samples

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is life-threatening for immunocompromised patients. Quantitative molecular assays on whole blood or plasma are the gold standard for the diagnosis of invasive HCMV infection and for monitoring antiviral treatment in individuals at risk of HCMV disease. For these reasons, an accurate standardization toward the WHO 1st International Standard among different centers and diagnostic kits represents an effort for better clinical management of HCMV-positive patients. Herein, we evaluate, for the first time, the performance of a new transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay versus quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) chemistry, used as a routine method, on whole blood samples. A total of 755 clinical whole blood specimens were collected and tested simultaneously with TMA and qPCR assays. The data showed a qualitative agreement of 99.27% for positive quantified samples and 89.39% for those undetected between the two tested methods. Evaluation of viremia in positive samples highlighted a good correlation between TMA and qPCR chemistries in terms of International Units (ΔLog10 IU/mL: -0.29 ± 0.40). The TMA assay showed a significant correlation with qPCR in patients monitored for up to 3 months, thus allowing an accurate assessment of viremia in transplant patients. Therefore, TMA chemistry showed good agreement with qPCR testing, used as a current diagnostic routine. It also offers important advantages, such as FDA approval on plasma and In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) on both plasma and whole blood, automated workflow with minimal hands-on time, and random access loading, thus enabling a rapid and reliable diagnostic in HCMV-infected patients.

IMPORTANCE

In this paper, we describe the clinical performance of a novel transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay for the detection and quantification of human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA from whole blood samples. This is a pivotal analysis in immunocompromised patients [transplanted, HIV-positive, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) recipients], and molecular tests with high sensitivity and specificity are necessary to evaluate the HCMV viral load in these patients. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth evaluation of TMA chemistry for HCMV diagnosis on whole blood samples. Moreover, also technical aspects of this assay make it suitable for clinical diagnostics.

Antiviral Approach to Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Overview of Conventional and Novel Strategies

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus capable of establishing a lifelong persistence in the host through a chronic state of infection and remains an essential global concern due to its distinct life cycle, mutations, and latency. It represents a life-threatening pathogen for immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplanted patients, HIV-positive individuals, and hematopoietic stem cell recipients. Multiple antiviral approaches are currently available and administered in order to prevent or manage viral infections in the early stages. However, limitations due to side effects and the onset of antidrug resistance are a hurdle to their efficacy, especially for long-term therapies. Novel antiviral molecules, together with innovative approaches (e.g., genetic editing and RNA interference) are currently in study, with promising results performed in vitro and in vivo. Since HCMV is a virus able to establish latent infection, with a consequential risk of reactivation, infection management could benefit from preventive treatment for critical patients, such as immunocompromised individuals and seronegative pregnant women. This review will provide an overview of conventional antiviral clinical approaches and their mechanisms of action. Additionally, an overview of proposed and developing new molecules is provided, including nucleic-acid-based therapies and immune-mediated approaches.

The pattern of cytomegalovirus replication in post-renal transplant recipients with pre-emptive therapy strategy during the 1st year of post-transplantation

Objectives

The prevalence and reactivating pattern of cytomegalovirus (CMV) among renal transplant recipients in Sri Lanka is scarce. The study was aimed to describe the replication patterns of CMV in post-renal transplant recipients who were on pre-emptive therapy and identify the risk factors and time period for CMV reactivating during the 1st year of transplantation and provide an insight into the selection of pre-emptive therapy in the local setting.

Methods

A retrospective and cohort study was conducted, enrolling renal transplant recipients who have completed routine 1-year follow-up for pre-emptive management at the National Hospital, Kandy, from January 2016 to January 2021. CMV quantitative polymerase chain reaction results and demographic data of enrolled recipients were analyzed to investigate the CMV replication pattern and risk factors. Categorical data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test, considering P < 0.05 statistically significant. Continuous variables were presented as percentages.

Results

Two hundred and fifty-one renal transplant recipients' data were included in the study. Of them, 75.70% were male patients, and the mean age of the study population was 43.25 years. CMV DNAemia incidence was 56.57% during the 1st year of post-renal transplantation. Only 9.16% had developed more than 104 IU/mL or significant DNAemia. Sex and donor type were not risk factors for CMV reactivation. However, the recipient's age was significantly associated with CMV viraemia among renal transplant recipients.

Conclusion

Considering the low incidence of significant viraemia among the study population, pre-emptive treatment would be the cost-effective strategy for management of the post-renal transplant recipients in local settings.

Delayed Graft Function Among Kidney Transplant Recipients Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infection and BK Viremia

Background

Delayed graft function (DGF) among deceased donor kidney transplant recipients (DDKTRs) is a well-known risk factor for allograft rejection, decreased graft survival, and increased cost. Although DGF is associated with an increased risk of rejection, it is unclear whether it also increases the risk of infection.

Methods

We reviewed all adult DDKTRs at our center between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcomes of interest were BK viremia, cytomegalovirus viremia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection (UTI) within the first year of transplant. Additional analysis was made with censoring follow-up at the time of allograft rejection.

Results

A total of 1512 DDKTRs were included, of whom 468 (31%) had DGF. As expected, several recipient, donor, and baseline immunological characteristics differed by DGF status. After adjustment, DGF was significantly associated with an increased risk of BK viremia (hazard ratio: 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.81; P = 0.049) and UTI (hazard ratio: 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.19; P < 0.001) but not cytomegalovirus viremia or pneumonia. Associations were similar in models censored at the time of rejection.

Conclusions

DGF is associated with an increased risk of early infectious complications, mainly UTI and BK viremia. Close monitoring and appropriate management are warranted for better outcomes in this unique population.

Plasma proteome perturbation for CMV DNAemia in kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, either de novo or as reactivation after allotransplantation and chronic immunosuppression, is recognized to cause detrimental alloimmune effects, inclusive of higher susceptibility to graft rejection and substantive impact on chronic graft injury and reduced transplant survival. To obtain further insights into the evolution and pathogenesis of CMV infection in an immunocompromised host we evaluated changes in the circulating host proteome serially, before and after transplantation, and during and after CMV DNA replication (DNAemia), as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR).

METHODS

LC-MS-based proteomics was conducted on 168 serially banked plasma samples, from 62 propensity score-matched kidney transplant recipients. Patients were stratified by CMV replication status into 31 with CMV DNAemia and 31 without CMV DNAemia. Patients had blood samples drawn at protocol times of 3- and 12-months post-transplant. Additionally, blood samples were also drawn before and 1 week and 1 month after detection of CMV DNAemia. Plasma proteins were analyzed using an LCMS 8060 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Further, public transcriptomic data on time matched PBMCs samples from the same patients was utilized to evaluate integrative pathways. Data analysis was conducted using R and Limma.

RESULTS

Samples were segregated based on their proteomic profiles with respect to their CMV Dnaemia status. A subset of 17 plasma proteins was observed to predict the onset of CMV at 3 months post-transplant enriching platelet degranulation (FDR, 4.83E-06), acute inflammatory response (FDR, 0.0018), blood coagulation (FDR, 0.0018) pathways. An increase in many immune complex proteins were observed at CMV infection. Prior to DNAemia the plasma proteome showed changes in the anti-inflammatory adipokine vaspin (SERPINA12), copper binding protein ceruloplasmin (CP), complement activation (FDR = 0.03), and proteins enriched in the humoral (FDR = 0.01) and innate immune responses (FDR = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Plasma proteomic and transcriptional perturbations impacting humoral and innate immune pathways are observed during CMV infection and provide biomarkers for CMV disease prediction and resolution. Further studies to understand the clinical impact of these pathways can help in the formulation of different types and duration of anti-viral therapies for the management of CMV infection in the immunocompromised host.

Kidney Transplant-Associated Viral Infection Rates and Outcomes in a Single-Centre Cohort

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of post-transplant DNA virus infections (CMV, EBV, BKV and JCV infections) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) at a single tertiary centre and evaluate their impact on graft outcomes.

METHODS

KTR transplanted between 2000 and 2021 were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to identify factors associated with DNA virus infections and their impact on allograft outcomes respectively. A sub-analysis of individual viral infections was also conducted to describe the pattern, timing, interventions, and outcomes of individual infections.

RESULTS

Data from 962 recipients were evaluated (Mean age 47.3 ± 15 years, 62% male, 81% white). 30% of recipients (288/962) had infection(s) by one or more of the DNA viruses. Individually, CMV, EBV, BKV and JCV viruses were diagnosed in 13.8%. 11.3%, 8.9% and 4.4% of recipients respectively. Factors associated with increased risk of post-transplant DNA virus infection included recipient female gender, higher number of HLA mismatch, lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), CMV seropositive donor, maintenance with cyclosporin (rather than tacrolimus) and higher number of maintenance immunosuppressive medications. The slope of eGFR decline was steeper in recipients with a history of DNA virus infection irrespective of the virus type. Further, GFR declined faster with an increasing number of different viral infections. Death-censored graft loss adjusted for age, gender, total HLA mismatch, baseline eGFR and acute rejection was significantly higher in recipients with a history of DNA virus infection than those without infection (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR, 1.74, 95% CI, 1.08-2.80)). In contrast, dialysis-free survival did not differ between the two groups of recipients (aHR, 1.13, 95% CI, 0.88-1.47).

CONCLUSION

Post-transplant DNA viral infection is associated with a higher risk of allograft loss. Careful management of immunosuppression and close surveillance of at-risk recipients may improve graft outcomes.

Cytomegalovirus microRNAs level determination in kidney recipients post transplantation

BACKGROUND

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can establish a latent infection with periodic or sporadic reactivation after the first infection happens. Primary and recurrent infection, results in different problems in patients with impaired or immature immune systems, such as kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are important regulatory molecules in the outcome of CMV-infected KTRs. Therefore, in this study the expression level of CMV miRNAs were evaluated in active vs. latent CMV infected KTRs.

METHODS

Expression of viral miRNAs were studied in 61 KTRs which were divided into 30 active CMV and 31 latent CMV infected individuals. In order to study the expression level of selected miRNAs, SYBR Green Real-time PCR technique was exploited. Also, mature miRNAs expression level that were produced from one precursor, studied both in active and latent situations.

RESULTS

Among studied miRNAs' expression level, CMV miR-UL112-3p/5p, -UL22A-3p/5p, -US25-1-5p, -US25-2-3p/5p, -UL36-3p/5p and -UL70-3p showed significant increase in active CMV infected KTRs in comparison to latent ones. The ROC curve analysis results for miR-UL112-3p, -UL22A-3p, -US25-2-3p, -UL36-3p and -UL70-3p showed significant difference between two studied patient groups.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed an extremely high expression level in CMV miR-UL112-3p/5p, -UL22A-3p/5p, -US25-1-5p, -US25-2-3p/5p, -UL36-3p/5p and -UL70-3p in active CMV infected KTRs in comparison to latent ones. Further studies might help in finding the capability of miRNAs to differentiate active from latent stage of CMV infection in KTRs.

The Prevalence of Neurological Complication after Renal Transplantation

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of neurological complications (NCs) after renal transplantation by meta-analysis.

Methods

A broad literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane-Library was performed from inception to December 31, 2021, to collect published studies on the incidence of NCs after kidney transplantation. The R language meta-package was used to organize and analyze the data.

Results

17 articles including 1,1119 participants were considered eligible. There were 3 studies that recorded unclassified NCs (249 participants), 6 that recorded nervous system CMV infection (1489 participants), 3 that recorded headache (243 participants), and 5 that recorded cerebrovascular events (9138 participants). There was significant heterogeneity (all I ² ≥ 75%) in all analyses, and random-effects models were selected. Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of unclassified NCs was 0.29 (95% CI (0.16-0.48)), the incidence of nervous system CMV infection was 0.38 (95% CI (0.26-0.52)), the incidence of headache was 0.55 (95% CI (0.44-0.66)), and the incidence of stroke was 0.05 (95% CI (0.02-0.09)). Egger's test showed that there was no conspicuous publication bias in the included literature in each group.

Conclusions

Headache had the highest incidence (55%) in the nervous system after KT, followed by nervous system CMV infection (38%) and stroke (5%). Nevertheless, due to the inconsistencies in the types of NCs included and the follow-up time, our results might only serve as an epidemiological reference for the specific incidence differences.

Cytomegalovirus infection after renal transplantation

Renal transplant patients show a high prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after the procedure. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the incidence of CMV infection among renal transplant patients. A total of 100 patients were recruited in this study. The CMV load in the blood of each patient was assessed using the technique of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serostatus of all recipients and donors was examined preoperatively and those of the recipients again postoperatively. The association of CMV load was assessed with the following factors: age, gender, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum creatinine levels, types of immunosuppressive and induction regimens, preoperative diabetes status, and serological virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks postoperatively. Our findings showed that CMV incidence was significantly higher in middle-aged patients (62 of 66 patients, 93.9%; p=0.0001). Furthermore, about 88.2% of patients induced by anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) showed a high viral load, significantly higher than the proportion of CMV-positive patients induced by basiliximab (p=0.001). In addition, a higher proportion of CMV-negative recipients who received the graft from CMV-positive donors and vice-versa were CMV-positive postoperatively. Administration of Valcyte 450 showed 100% efficiency in decreasing the CMV load in the patients. Among all the assessed factors, only the age of the recipients, type of induction therapy used, and the preoperative serostatus of both donors and recipients were significantly associated with the postoperative CMV incidence among the patients.

Human Cytomegalovirus Inhibits Autophagy of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells and Promotes Cellular Enlargement

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a frequent opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressed patients, which can be involved in kidney allograft dysfunction and rejection. In order to study the pathophysiology of HCMV renal diseases, we concentrated on the impact of HCMV infection on human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells. Our aim was to develop a model of infection of HK-2 cells by using the viral strain TB40/E, that contains the extended cell tropism of clinical isolates and the efficient viral multiplication in cell culture of laboratory-adapted strains. We observed that HK-2 cells can be infected by HCMV and expressed viral antigens, but they do not produce extracellular viral particles. We then studied the interplay of HCMV with ciliogenesis and autophagy. Primary cilium (PC) is a stress sensor important to maintain renal tissue homeostasis that projects from the apical side into the lumen of tubule cells. PC formation and length were not modified by HCMV infection. Autophagy, another stress response process critically required for normal kidney functions, was inhibited by HCMV in HK-2 cells with a reduction in the autophagic flux. HCMV classically induces an enlargement of infected cells in vivo and in vitro, and we observed that HCMV infection led to an enlargement of the HK-2 cell volume. Our results constitute therefore an excellent starting point to further explore the role of these mechanisms in renal cells dysfunction.

Isolation of the Human Cytomegalovirus from bodily fluids

In vitro studies on the pathogenesis of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are conducted regularly using laboratory adapted strains that lose some characteristics during the adaptation process. Since HCMV is excreted from bodily fluids during infection or reactivation, this work aimed to isolate and culture HCMV from the MRC-5 human cells found in the urine, bronchoalveolar lavage, saliva, and plasma samples of pediatric patients with probable or confirmed infection. The samples were inoculated on cell cultures either for 14 days or until a cytopathic effect (CPE) of 80 % was observed. The cell lysates and supernatants were used to perform successive viral passages. Besides HCMV, the herpes simplex virus was detected from all the saliva samples. Inoculation of the HCMV positive sera induced cell clustering and immediate monolayer damage that restricted their use. One sample of bronchoalveolar lavage induced a CPE after inoculation like that of the HCMV reference strains (Towne and Merlin), which was consequently propagated and titrated. A second viral isolate derived from the urine sample of a patient with congenital infection did not demonstrate a CPE, although presence of the virus had been confirmed using PCR. The viral isolates were examined and found to be negative for adenoviruses or enteroviruses. Despite the evident difficulty encountered for the isolation and harvesting of the HCMV, this work shows that it was possible to obtain a low passage viral strain using a modified shell vial method and inoculation protocol with extended follow-up and confirmation.

Impact assessment and investigation of factors associated with herpesviruses viremia in the first year of renal transplantation

The increased risk for opportunistic infections after a renal transplant requires monitoring of viral infections to avoid future complications. Our goal was to investigate the impact and factors associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) viremia in renal transplant recipients. Whole blood samples were collected monthly from 82 patients during the first semester and then quarterly up to 1 year after transplantation. EBV, HCMV, and HHV-6 were detected and quantified by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that EBV and HCMV viremia were detected in 32 patients (39% each), while HHV-6 viremia in only 3 patients (3.7%). EBV was significantly associated with age (P = .050), thymoglobuline induction (P = .019), mTOR inhibitor-based therapy (P = .003), and female gender (P = .044). HCMV was significantly associated with basiliximab induction (P = .015), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-based therapy (P = .003) and allograft acute rejection (P = .033). Moreover, HCMV-disease was correlated with MMF-based therapy (P = .021) and female gender (P = .003). In conclusion, EBV and HCMV viremia were associated with different immunosuppressive induction and maintenance strategies. Additionally, higher HCMV viremia (> 10 ⁴ copies/mL) was related to acute allograft rejection.

Cytomegalovirus Induced Collapsing Glomerulopathy and Necrotizing Glomerulonephritis in a Renal Allograft Recipient

In renal allograft recipients, cytomegalovirus (CMV) typically causes tubulointerstitial nephritis. Only rarely glomeruli are involved. We present a rare case of CMV with collapsing glomerulopathy, necrotizing glomerulonephritis, and crescent formation in a renal allograft recipient. Immunohistochemistry confirmed CMV infection. The patient was started on valganciclovir and his renal function remained stable. A repeat renal biopsy performed three months later showed morphologically normal glomeruli and CMV immunostaining was also negative. Nephropathologists have to carefully screen for CMV in cases with crescentic or collapsing glomerulopathy as the later lesions resolve after treating the underlying viral infection. This study will add on to the various glomerular changes associated with CMV infection.

Neurologic complications of kidney transplantation

Renal transplant is the most common organ transplant in the United States, and the frequency of kidney transplants continues to rise as transplant offers improved survival and quality of life compared to dialysis. However, complications are not uncommon and patients frequently encounter issues requiring hospitalization, especially in the first year postoperatively. Complications that arise are typically related to surgical complications, immunosuppressive medications, or infection due to immunosuppression. Neurological complications are fairly common post-operatively, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this population. This review discusses the most common etiologies of neurological complications after kidney transplant, including infection, malignancy, medication related, acute neuropathy, and other neurological pathology.

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus disease in kidney transplant patients in an intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

To define the frequency of cytomegalovirus disease among kidney transplant patients in an intensive care unit in which this complication was suspected and to identify predisposing factors and their possible impact on clinical outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study in which kidney transplant patients over the age of 18 years were hospitalized for any reason in an intensive care unit with at least one collection of samples to test for the presence of antigenemia or cytomegalovirus via polymerase chain reaction during hospitalization. Cytomegalovirus disease was defined as positive antigenemia or polymerase chain reaction above 500 copies/mL in the presence of symptoms and in the appropriate clinical setting, as judged by the attending physician.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients were included (age: 53.4 ± 12.8 years, 71.6% male). Cytomegalovirus disease was diagnosed in 39 patients (39.4%). Respiratory symptoms (51%), non-specific clinical worsening (20%) or gastrointestinal symptoms (14%) were the main reasons for exam collection. Transplant time was lower in those with cytomegalovirus disease than in those without this diagnosis (6.5 months and 31.2 months, p = 0.001), along with pulse therapy in the last 6 months (41% and 16.9%, p = 0.008) and previous use of thymoglobulin in the last year (35.9% and 6.8%, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, only the transplant time and the use of thymoglobulin were associated with a higher frequency of cytomegalovirus. There was no difference in clinical evolution between patients with and without cytomegalovirus disease.

CONCLUSION

In kidney transplant patients suspected of cytomegalovirus disease, the prevalence was high. Transplant time less than 6 months, and the use of thymoglobulin in the last year should increase the intensivist's suspicion for this complication.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients With Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is deemed to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after kidney transplantation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of CMV infection and risk factors for CMV infection in our center, to help in determination of its impact on the kidney function in this patient population, and to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CMV infection.

METHODS

A total of 319 kidney transplant recipients from our center were studied between January 2000 and December 2015. The CMV viral load in each kidney transplant patients was monitored with the use of CMV quantitative nucleic acid testing (CMV-QNAT). Laboratory data and other medical records were also collected.

RESULTS

The incidence of CMV infection was 8.8% in our studied patients. The patients within 3 to 6 months and 5 to 10 years after transplantation had a higher risk of CMV infection. CMV infection was probably correlated with lower white blood cell counts but elevated hemoglobin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, potassium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Anti-CMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G and history of allograft rejection were also associated with CMV infection. In multivariate regression analysis, white blood cells, eGFR, anti-CMV IgG, and history of allograft rejection were the independent risk factors associated with CMV infection in kidney transplantation patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CMV infection was an important complication after kidney transplantation, particularly in these patients with allograft impairment.

Association Between Cytomegalovirus Reactivation and Clinical Outcomes in Immunocompetent Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The aim of our systematic review was to investigate the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and outcomes in immunocompetent critically ill patients.

Methods

We searched electronic databases and gray literature for original studies and abstracts published between 1990 and October 2016. The review was limited to studies including critically ill immunocompetent patients. Cytomegalovirus reactivation was defined as positive polymerase chain reaction, pp65 antigenemia, or viral culture from blood or bronchoalveolar lavage. Selected patient-centered outcomes included mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), and nosocomial infections. Health resource utilization outcomes included intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included. In our primary analysis, CMV reactivation was associated with increased ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87–3.47), overall mortality (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.60–2.56), duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference 6.60 days; 95% CI, 3.09–10.12), nosocomial infections (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.05–4.98), need for RRT (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.31–4.31), and ICU length of stay (mean difference 8.18 days; 95% CI, 6.14–10.22). In addition, numerous sensitivity analyses were performed.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, CMV reactivation was associated with worse clinical outcomes and greater health resource utilization in critically ill patients. However, it remains unclear whether CMV reactivation plays a causal role or if it is a surrogate for more severe illness.

Impact of cytomegalovirus reactivation on clinical outcomes in immunocompetent critically ill patients: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in critically ill patients is a well-recognized phenomenon with an incidence as high as 71 %. A number of studies have investigated the association between CMV reactivation and outcomes in critically ill patients with conflicting results. We propose to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of CMV reactivation on patient-centered outcomes and measures of health resource utilization in immunocompetent critically ill patients.

METHODS

In consultation with a research librarian, a search strategy will be developed and electronic databases (i.e., Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) will be searched for original studies. Selected grey literature sources will be hand-searched. Search themes will include cytomegalovirus, intensive care unit, and sepsis. Citation screening, selection, quality assessment, and data abstraction will be performed in duplicate. Pooled effect estimates of the impact of CMV reactivation on selected patient-centered outcomes and measures of health resource utilization will be described.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review aims to explore the impact of CMV reactivation on patient-centered outcomes and health resource utilization in immunocompetent critically ill patients. Our results will help to better define the burden of disease associated with CMV reactivation. Indeed, evidence to date suggests increased mortality in this patient population. However, the relationship between CMV reactivation and health resource utilization remains less clear. Based on our results, future study on the impact of CMV treatment or prophylaxis on outcomes (including those other than mortality) may be warranted.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42016035446.