Retrospective analysis shows age and CMV serostatus affect graft survival and mortality in liver transplant recipients, suggesting need for targeted strategies.
Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may impact allograft function and overall survival in solid organ transplant recipients in various direct or indirect mechanisms. The association between recipient age and donor-recipient CMV status and outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) are unclear. Methods Retrospective analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for LT recipients ≥18 years old between 2000-2020 (N=89,753) was conducted. Recipient age-based stratification analysis was performed to compare the association of CMV serostatus and recipient age on overall and graft survival after LT. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. All-cause mortality and graft failure hazard ratios were calculated at one- and five-years post-LT. Results LT recipients were stratified in to age groups (years) of ≥ 60 (36,636; 40.8%), 40-60 (43,921; 48.9%), and < 40 (9,196; 10.3%). Among these LT recipients, various CMV serostatus groups were D-R- (12,521;13.8%), D+R- (20,815; 23.0%), D-R+ (19.830; 21.9%), and D+R+ (37,395; 41.3%). In the age-based stratification analysis, all CMV seropositive statuses (D+R-, D-R+, D+R+) when compared to CMV D-/R-, were negatively associated with overall and graft survival at both one- and five-years post-LT (p< 0.0001), group. The negative association of CMV seropositivity on one-year and five-year overall and graft survival was most pronounced in 40-60 years group (Fig 1, 2) when compared to the other two age groups. Conclusion During the current era of effective CMV prophylaxis, LT recipients in the 40-60-year age group are at the highest risk of CMV seropositivity (D+R-, D-R+, D+R+) associated worse overall and graft survival at both one- and five-years post-LT. Identification of age-based risk factors, increased awareness, as well as effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are needed to mitigate this risk. Disclosures Abhay Dhand, MD, Eurofins Viracor: Advisor/Consultant|Eurofins Viracor: Honoraria|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Honoraria
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Dhand et al. (2026) studied this question.
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