Pharmacotherapy of post-transplant viral infections.
BACKGROUND
Management of a number of significant viral pathogens in transplant recipients remains challenging.


OBJECTIVE
To define an optimal antiviral approach to the management of cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy in transplant recipients.


METHODS
Clinical trials and existing data regarding use of antiviral agents for these viruses were reviewed to develop evidence-based recommendations for their management.


CONCLUSIONS
Weighing the current evidence regarding the use of valganciclovir as pre-emptive therapy or prophylaxis, the former approach offers a greater benefit for the overall prevention of CMV disease. Limited data show that prophylaxis with antiviral agents is associated with a reduction in the risk of EBV-associated PTLD. Treatment options for HHV-6 and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy are still limited.
Sun
Hsin-Yun
HY
National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Singh
Nina
N
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014180:Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents