acyclovir and Mucositis

Infections with adenovirus (AdV) and herpesviruses can result in considerable morbidity and mortality in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivations are usually prevented by acyclovir (ACV) prophylaxis, whereas cidofovir (CDV) has been used off indication to manage AdV infections. We report a child with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing multiple SCT, who experienced HSV-1 disease including severe mucositis and herpetic whitlow, as well as high viral load AdV DNAemia. Both ACV and CDV were ineffective; however, viral loads were decreased with brincidofovir, resulting in viral clearance. A subsequent Epstein-Barr virus disease with relevant meningoencephalitis responded to rituximab.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adenoviridae; Adenovirus Infections, Human; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antiviral Agents; Child, Preschool; Cidofovir; Cytosine; DNA, Viral; Drug Resistance, Viral; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Female; Foscarnet; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Meningoencephalitis; Mucositis; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Organophosphonates; Rituximab; Viral Load

The reactivation of Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) occurs in 70% to 80% of patients submitted to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT); it increases the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Therefore, the use of acyclovir in ASCT patients is considered standard practice. However, the minimum dose needed to prevent reactivation is a matter of debate. We compared two doses of acyclovir in a non-randomized fashion in 59 patients submitted to ASCT: 32 patients received a dose of 125 mg/m(2) IV every six hours and the subsequent 27 patients received a dose of 60 mg/m(2) IV every six hours. Viral excretion was evaluated through weekly viral culture of oral swabs. Grade 4 mucositis was more frequent in Group 1 (p= 0.03). The reactivation rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 9% and 4%, respectively (p= 0.62, 95% confidence interval -7 - 18). Prophylaxis with reduced doses of intravenous acyclovir seems to be as effective as a higher dose in inhibiting HSV reactivation, with a significant reduction in cost. Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adolescent; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Child; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mucositis; Simplexvirus; Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous; Virus Activation