CMV Infection in Solid Organ Transplantation: Clinical Clues and Prevention Strategies


This continuing education self-study newsletter on “CMV Infection in Solid Organ Transplantation: Clinical Clues and Prevention Strategies” is certified for physicians.

(Continuing education credit is no longer available for this activity.)


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MEDIA: NEWSLETTER

Release date: February 27, 2009
CME available until: February 27, 2010
Estimated time to complete this activity: 75 minutes

CONTENTS

  • CMV Infection in Solid Organ Transplantation: Clinical Clues and Prevention Strategies
    • Introduction
    • CMV Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
      Atul Humar, MD, MSc, FRCPC
    • CMV Drug Resistance in Organ Transplant Recipients
      Sunwen Chou, MD
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Learning Assessment and Evaluation Form

FACULTY

Atul Humar, MD, MSc, FRCPCAtul Humar, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Director, Transplant Infectious Diseases
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada


Sunwen Chou, MDSunwen Chou, MD
Professor of Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, USA



TARGET AUDIENCE
This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians involved in the care of patients with CMV.

PURPOSE
This activity is intended to assist physicians in understanding how to manage patients with CMV.

STATEMENT OF NEED
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in recipients of solid organ transplant (SOT). Despite advances in both the diagnosis and treatment of CMV, it is still the most common opportunistic infection encountered following SOT.1,2 The principal approaches to prevention of CMV in patients who receive SOT include preemptive and prophylactic therapy. At this time, no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate preventive method because these strategies have not been compared head-to-head in large, well-controlled trials. Toxicity profiles and the threat of drug resistance occasionally limit the utility of existing antiviral agents. Mutations that confer resistance to specific antiviral agents are being identified, but resistance to multiple agents may occur. Alternative agents are being evaluated as potential substitutes in patients with resistant strains, but more research is needed before these therapies are approved for use in SOT recipients. Clearly a need exists for improved strategies to reduce the impact of CMV infection in SOT.

1Sia IG, Patel R. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2000;13:83-121.
2Kusne S, et al. Transpl Infect Dis. 1999;1:187:203.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

  • Describe clinical features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients
  • Outline current treatment and prevention strategies for CMV disease in SOT recipients
  • Compare emerging therapies for the treatment and prevention of CMV disease in SOT recipients
  • Cite the mechanisms and clinical implications of drug resistance in CMV

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interests are thoroughly vetted by PIM for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

PHYSICIAN CONTINUING EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and Robert Michael Educational Institute LLC (RMEI). PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION
PIM designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity Evaluation form and will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.

FEE INFORMATION
There is no fee for this educational activity.


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