Publication
Cytomegalovirus disease in inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiology and disease characteristics in a large single-centre experience
Journal Paper/Review - Nov 1, 2016
Bontà Jonas, Rogler Gerhard, Fried Michael, Scharl Sylvie, Vavricka Stephan R, Sulz Michael, Biedermann Luc, Frei Pascal, Zeitz Jonas, Scharl Michael
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show an increased risk of developing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease because of immunosuppressive medication and malnutrition. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CMV disease in our cohort of IBD patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We carried out a retrospective analysis of 1023 IBD patients treated at our IBD clinic at the University Hospital Zurich between 2007 and 2014. CMV disease was defined as a positive immunohistochemistry for CMV and 14 patients were identified.
RESULTS
The prevalence of CMV disease in our IBD cohort was 1.37%. Twelve patients had ulcerative colitis and two had Crohn's disease with colonic involvement. All patients who developed CMV disease received immunosuppressive medication or, as in one case, had HIV infection. The most used immunosuppressive medications were steroids and azathioprine. The most common therapeutic strategy was the consecutive use of ganciclovir and valganciclovir. Ten patients recovered and two were treatment refractory; among these, one required colectomy and two had a relapse.
CONCLUSION
CMV disease may influence the clinical course of IBD. There is probably an association between CMV disease and IBD-specific medication. Risk factors, epidemiology and therapeutic strategy need to be further investigated.