Use of Letermovir as Secondary Prophylaxis in Cytomegalovirus Resistant Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent DNA virus that is a well-recognized cause of significant complications in post-transplant recipients. Emergence of CMV resistance to standard antiviral agents poses a substantial challenge for appropriate management post-transplantation. Currently, there are no pediatric heart transplant data on the use of novel agents such as letermovir for the management of resistant CMV infection. METHODS: We present our experience using letermovir in the management of three pediatric heart transplant recipients with CMV infection who developed resistance to standard therapy. Informed consent was not required. RESULTS: Letermovir was successfully used for secondary prophylaxis in three patients, all with ganciclovir resistant CMV infection due to UL97 mutations, with no evidence of CMV breakthrough infection and no significant side effects observed. CONCLUSION: In our experience, letermovir was well tolerated and effective in the management of resistant CMV in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
Source: Clinical Transplantation
DOI: 10.1111/ctr.70187
Authors: John‐Anthony Coppola, Debbie‐Ann Shirley, Emily Martin, Varvara Probst, Dipankar Gupta
Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410811536