Comparison of prophylactic versus preemptive treatments in the management of cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant recipients

To prevent acute or chronic rejection in renal transplant recipients, immunosuppressive treatments are applied. However, immunosuppressive treatments increase the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in efficacy and cost of prophylactic and preemptive treatment strategies applied in respect of CMV infection to renal transplant recipients. Methods. Patients who underwent renal transplantation in our center between 2010 and 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were allocated in two groups as those who received prophylaxis or preemptive treatment. A record was made of the kidney function tests (KFT), CMV PCR copy numbers, the presence of CMV infection, antiviral treatments received, and the costs were calculated of the tests and treatments. The groups were compared in respect of CMV infection and costs. Results. A total of 71 patients with a median age of 38 years (range, 19-74 years) were included in the study. The prophylaxis group included 43 patients and the preemptive group included 28 patients. CMV infection was detected in 7 (16.3%) of the prophylaxis group and 2 (7.1%) patients of the preemptive group (p=0.467). The cost per month of the tests and treatment was lower in the preemptive group than in the prophylaxis group (p<0.001). Conclusion. No significant difference was determined between the prophylactic and preemptive treatment protocols in respect of the CMV infection in the intermediate-risk group renal transplantation recipients. Preemptive treatment was seen to be a more cost-effective method than prophylactic treatment in Turkey.