Extending cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in high-risk (D+/R-) lung transplant recipients from 6 to 9 months reduces cytomegalovirus disease: A retrospective study.

Extending duration of CMV prophylaxis from 6 to 9 months resulted in a delayed and decreased incidence of CMV disease in our lung transplant population. The absolute risk reduction achieved by extended CMV prophylaxis was 8%. The incidence of CMV infection, and ganciclovir resistance and side effects were similar between the two groups. Our results suggest that extending CMV prophylaxis in the highest risk CMV D+/R- group is effective in reducing CMV disease.