EBV DNA Levels and Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Lung Transplant Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Baldanti Fausto, Rognoni Vanina, Cascina Alessandro, Oggionni Tiberio, Tinelli Carmine, Meloni Federica
Primary Institution: Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of EBV DNAemia and its association with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in lung transplant recipients?
Conclusion
A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosing and managing PTLD in lung transplant recipients, as monitoring only symptomatic patients may miss critical cases.
Supporting Evidence
- PTLD was diagnosed in 5 out of 111 patients, indicating a prevalence of 4.5%.
- EBV DNAemia was positive in 63.8% of patients examined for symptoms.
- The study highlighted the importance of monitoring EBV DNA levels in patients at risk for PTLD.
Takeaway
Doctors studied lung transplant patients to see how often they get sick from a virus called EBV, which can cause serious problems. They found that checking for the virus in patients who show symptoms is really important.
Methodology
This retrospective study evaluated EBV DNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of lung transplant patients from 2000 to 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients lost to follow-up or who died from unrelated causes.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and could not obtain informed consent from deceased patients or those lost to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 137 lung transplant patients, with a median age of 52 years, and 72.2% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website