Risk factors and incidence of cytomegalovirus viremia and disease in pediatric patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: An 8‐year single‐center experience in Latin America

Background Cytomegalovirus infection represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of viremia and disease due to cytomegalovirus and the risk factors in pediatric patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our institution. Methods This was a retrospective cohort of patients under 19 years of age who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation due to any indication between 2012 and 2019. The analysis included the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus viremia or disease during post‐transplant follow‐up, evaluation of risk factors, and outcomes. The statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate analyses, and the cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus viremia was determined by the Kaplan–Meier method using STATA 14 statistical software. Results A total of 182 transplants were included. At 100 days, the cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus viremia was 70.5%, and that of cytomegalovirus disease was 4.7%. Overall survival at 2 years was 74%, and event‐free survival was 64%. The remaining demographic characteristics were not predictors of infection. There was no association between viremia and relapse or survival of the patients. Higher mortality was noted in cytomegalovirus disease. Conclusions During the study period, the incidence of cytomegalovirus disease was similar to that of other pediatric reports, but the incidence of viremia was higher. Pre‐emptive therapy has diminished disease rates and death due to infection. Viral load cutoff points should be standardized to guide treatment and avoid myelotoxicity.