title: A multivariate analysis of the risk of cytomegalovirus infection in heart transplant recipients.
abstract: Thirty-four consecutive heart transplant recipients were studied over a two-year period for evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Twenty-three episodes of CMV infection were identified; 19 of these occurred within 120 d after transplantation and were statistically analyzed. Fifteen potential risk factors were evaluated, including the following: pretransplant CMV serological status of donor and recipient; recipient's age, sex, race, and cardiac disease; number and type of blood products transfused; type and intensity of immunosuppression; occurrence of rejection; and leukopenia. The Cox proportional hazards model identified both greater than average steroid dosage and positive recipient CMV serology as significant risk factors for CMV infection (P = .014 and .048, respectively). In a separate analysis, however, only greater than average steroid dosage was associated with clinically significant CMV infection (P = .005).
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gorensek
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Keys
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: McHenry
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goormastic
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000914:Antibodies, Viral