Incidence and risk factors for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children

There are limited data on the incidence of CMV reactivation following autologous HSCT (AHSCT) in children. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence and risk factors for CMV reactivation in 72 children who received AHSCT. Twenty-two patients (31%) had positive CMV antigenemia at a median of 23 days (12-31) following transplant. Four patients (6%) required preemptive therapy and all episodes resolved. None of the patients developed CMV disease. Only being CMV seropositivity prior to transplant was significantly associated with CMV reactivation (P<0.001). The incidence of CMV reactivation following pediatric AHSCT is low, and surveillance beyond 30 days is not needed.