CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION ASSOCIATED WITH AND PRECEDING CHRONIC GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE

Abstract

Of 68 consecutive allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients, 53 survived > 3 mo. after transplantation. Twenty-two (42%) developed chronic graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD was more common among patients who had previously experienced cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (20/36, 56%) than among those without signs of active CMV infection (2/17, 12%) (P < 0.01). The CMV infections preceded the development of chronic GVHD by a median of 128 days (range 23-322 days). Children below 14 yr of age who had had CMV infection developed chronic GVHD as often as older patients (8/14 vs. 12/22). CMV infection may pave the way for chronic GVHD.