Efficacy and safety of a lower-dose valganciclovir (valcyte) regimen for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in kidney and pancreas transplant recipients.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the current cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis regimen used at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

METHODS:

A single-center, retrospective analysis was conducted in a regional renal transplantation center at a tertiary teaching facility.

STUDY POPULATION:

Seventy patients who underwent kidney and/or pancreas transplantation from October 2006 through December 2008 were observed for a period of six months after the procedure. Transplant recipients at risk for developing CMV disease received valganciclovir 450 mg daily.

RESULTS:

Outcome measures were incidence of CMV disease and incidence of severe leukopenia during the six-month postoperative period. Of 70 patients, seven (10%) developed CMV disease and five (7.1%) developed severe leukopenia while taking valganciclovir. Based on donor (D) and recipient (R) CMV serostatus, the incidence of CMV disease and severe leukopenia incidence was highest in the D+/R- group. Severe leukopenia developed in one patient with CMV disease who had a D+/R-kidney transplant. No statistical calculations were performed.

CONCLUSION:

The current lower-dose valganciclovir regimen at our institution was found to be efficacious and safe, and it provided significant cost savings.

• Authors: Vrinda Bhat, Megan McIntyre, Tracey Meyers
• Journal: P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management (P T) Vol. 35 Issue 12 Pg. 676-9 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 1052-1372 [Print] United States
• PMID: 21197265 (Publication Type: Journal Article)