Pre-engraftment clinically significant CMV infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its impact on engraftment (original) (raw)

Pre-engraftment cytomegalovirus infection (CMVi) is a challenge in patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HCT), as few data have been reported on its clinical importance. This study describes the clinical outcomes of pre-engraftment CMVi and compares them with those of episodes developing after engraftment in HCT patients. We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent Allo-HCT from 2016 to 2020, including 111 recipients monitored by real-time PCR assay. Clinically significant CMVi (csCMVi) was documented in 81 (73%) patients. There were 29 (26%) cases of pre-engraftment csCMVi. No significant difference was observed regarding virological features, but patients with pre-engraftment csCMVi had a delayed start in treatment (24 vs. 12 days, p