Low-dose valaciclovir and cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin to prevent cytomegalovirus disease in high-risk renal transplant recipients

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains an important cause of disease in renal transplant recipients. Prophylaxis is effective in reducing disease; however, the optimal regimen remains uncertain. We assessed the efficacy of low-dose valaciclovir (3 months) and intravenous CMV immunoglobulin in the prevention of CMV disease in CMV-negative recipients of kidneys from CMV-positive donors (D+/R-). Methods: A single-centre, retrospective study examining the incidence of CMV disease and patient and graft survival in all patients transplanted between October 2000 and November 2004. Results: Among 203 renal transplant recipients, 46 were D+/R- (22.7%) and received prophylaxis. Of the 203 recipient..