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Data on cord blood described by researchers at University of Minnesota
November 19th, 2007
2007 NOV 19 -- According to recent research published in the journal Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, "Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), but the natural history in the cord blood setting has not been well studied. We assessed CMV infection episodes in 753 consecutive allogeneic HSCT recipients at the University of Minnesota between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003." "The 6-month cumulative incidence of viremia/antigenemia was 22% by day +182: 21% (95% confidence interval 16%-26%) in cord blood recipients (UCB), 24% (20%-28%) in marrow (BM), and 22% (16%-28%) using peripheral blood grafts (PBSC). CMV disease incidence was 6% (2%-10%) in UCB, 8% (5%-11%) in BM, and 9% (6%-12%) in PBSC. In multivariate analysis, CMV infection (viremia/antigenemia and disease) was significantly more likely in patients who were seropositive to CMV, in those with acute graft versus host disease, and in those receiving T cell-depleted grafts. Graft source did not independently contribute to the risk of CMV infection and did not impact survival after CMV infection. These data confirm that recipient CMV serostatus remains the dominant risk factor for CMV infection," wrote C.M. Walker and colleagues, University of Minnesota. The researchers concluded: "Recipients of UCB have similar risks of CMV infection, responses to antiviral therapy, and survival following CMV infection as recipients of either marrow or PBSC." Walker and colleagues published their study in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (Cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic transplantation: Comparison of cord blood with peripheral blood and marrow graft sources. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, 2007;13(9):1106-1115). For additional information, contact C.M. Walker, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Medical, Division Infectious Disease, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. The publisher's contact information for the journal Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation is: Elsevier Science Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA. Keywords: United States, Minneapolis, Blood Transfusion, Cord Blood, Medical Device, Stem Cell Research, Transfusion Medicine, University of Minnesota. This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.
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