Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a frequent complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. In addition to causing a variety of end-organ diseases, CMV infection is also associated with rejection after SOT and with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after HSCT, as well as with increased risk of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Antiviral prophylaxis, more commonly used after SOT, is effective against direct and indirect effects of CMV infection, but may lead to overtreatment. Preemptive therapy, more commonly used after HSCT, is based on surveillance, and targets therapy to patients at highest risk. Several antiviral agents are currently available for CMV management; however, their use may be associated with myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity. Novel antiviral therapies with different mechanisms of action are in late-stage development and hold the promise of reducing CMV-related morbidity and mortality.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of health care professionals involved in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of patients with CMV Infection. 

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be better able to do the following:

1. Summarize the impact and burden of CMV infection in stem cell transplant and solid organ  transplant recipients
2. Evaluate currently available strategies to control CMV infection
3. Identify novel antiviral agents in late-stage development

FACULTY

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

It is the policy of the Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education that all faculty, instructors, and planners disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity. 

The faculty reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CME activity:

Non-faculty: Lyerka Miller, PhD; Sandy Breslow; Alison Kemp; and Bernard M. Abrams, MD, hereby state that neither they nor their spouse/life partner have any financial relationships to products or devices with any commercial interest related to the content of this activity of any amount during the past 12 months.

Financial Support

This activity has been supported by an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

Provider Information

Jointly provided by the Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education and Miller Medical Communications, LLC.

CME Credit (Physicians)

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education and Miller Medical Communications, LLC. The Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME INQUIRIES/SPECIAL NEEDS

For all CME inquiries or special needs, please contact elsevierCME@elsevier.com.

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education, Miller Medical Communications, LLC, and Merck & Co., Inc. do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications.

Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.