Prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection and disease after bone marrow transplantation in the 1990s

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1991 Jul;8(1):7-11.

Abstract

There is substantial progress in preventing and treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and CMV-related disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. In CMV-seronegative recipients, use of CMV-seronegative blood products eliminates most CMV infections. Effective prophylaxis for CMV-seropositive recipients is being studied. Preliminary results of controlled trials of prophylactic ganciclovir show reduced CMV-related interstitial pneumonia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.IG) may further reduce risk of interstitial pneumonia in both CMV-seronegative and -seropositive recipients by decreasing graft-versus-host disease. CMV infection is a lesser problem after autotransplant. Consequently, prophylaxis with CMV-screened blood products, i.v.IG, and antiviral drugs is not necessary. Treatment of CMV-related interstitial pneumonia remains problematic. Best results to date are with ganciclovir and high-dose i.v.IG.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans