In:
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 12, No. 8 ( 2001-08), p. 1758-1763
Abstract:
Ganciclovir, which is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, has been shown in rodent models to abolish CMV-mediated chronic cellular damage and endothelial cell proliferation; when associated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), it has been shown to increase its anti—herpes virus activity. This study tested the hypothesis that kidney graft recipients who received antirejection prophylaxis with MMF and who were treated with ganciclovir for a declared CMV disease could be protected from chronic graft dysfunction. Investigated was the impact of ganciclovir-treated CMV diseases in consecutive first kidney recipients according to their immunosuppressive therapy. The azathioprine (Aza)-treated group (Aza group) included 319 patients. The MMF-treated group (MMF group) included 126 patients. CMV disease was clinically defined and confirmed by virological proof of CMV infection and was treated for at least 14 d with ganciclovir. Despite having the same incidence (21.6% in the Aza group versus 24.6% in the MMF group) and severity, CMV disease was significantly associated with graft loss independent of acute rejection episodes or other factors when tested in a Cox proportional model in the Aza group only ( P 〈 10 -4 ). It was shown for the first time that patients whose CMV disease is treated with ganciclovir while they are on MMF therapy are protected from the long-term deleterious consequences of CMV disease on graft survival, independent of acute rejection. It is suggested that the enhanced anti—herpes virus activity of ganciclovir by MMF could contribute to this reported effect, which may represent a significant contribution of MMF efficacy to graft survival.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1046-6673
DOI:
10.1681/ASN.V1281758
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2001
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2029124-3
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