Early diagnosis and management of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by cytomegalovirus pneumonia after liver transplantation

Objective To study the early diagnosis and management of the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia after liver transplantation.Methods The clinical data of 8 patients with ARDS caused by CMV pneumonia after liver transplantation in our hospital from April 2001 to May 2004 was retrospectively analyzed. All cases were treated with intravenous infusion of gancyclovir, reduced dosage of cyclosporine A or tacrolimus to 1/3~1/2 of baseline and withdrawal of MMF and prednisone. The patients were subjected to breathing machine assist ventilation and nutrition supply.Results Five patients recovered and 3 died. No one developed acute rejection. Conclusions The key of early diagnosis lies in combining chest X-ray or CT scan with clinical presentation. Administration with anti-viral drugs, adjustment of immunosuppressive agents, management with breathing machine assist ventilation and effective nutrition supply are important for the treatment of patients with ARDS caused by CMV pneumonia after liver transplantation.