Research

Cytomegalovirus infection in critically ill patients: a systematic review

Ryosuke Osawa^1,2 and Nina Singh^1,2

¹  Infectious Diseases Section, VA Medical Center, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15420 USA

²  Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh 3601 Fifth Avenue, Falk Medical Building Suite 3A, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA

author email corresponding author email

Critical Care 2009, 13:R68doi:10.1186/cc7875

Published:	14 May 2009

See related letter by Wise et al., http://ccforum.com/content/13/3/410

Abstract

Introduction

The precise role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in contributing to outcomes in critically ill immunocompetent patients has not been fully defined.

Methods

Studies in which critically ill immunocompetent adults were monitored for CMV infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) were reviewed.

Results

CMV infection occurs in 0 to 36% of critically ill patients, mostly between 4 and 12 days after ICU admission. Potential risk factors for CMV infection include sepsis, requirement of mechanical ventilation, and transfusions. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (21 to 39 days vs. 13 to 24 days) and duration of ICU stay (33 to 69 days vs. 22 to 48 days) correlated significantly with a higher risk of CMV infection. Mortality rates in patients with CMV infection were higher in some but not all studies. Whether CMV produces febrile syndrome or end-organ disease directly in these patients is not known.

Conclusions

CMV infection frequently occurs in critically ill immunocompetent patients and may be associated with poor outcomes. Further studies are warranted to identify subsets of patients who are likely to develop CMV infection and to determine the impact of antiviral agents on clinically meaningful outcomes in these patients.