Clinical practice guidelines: prevention of cytomegalovirus disease after renal transplantation

To develop a set of comprehensive, standardized, evidence-based guidelines for the use of antiviral therapy to prevent cytomegalovirus disease in adult patients having undergone renal transplantation. The use of medication, at the time of induction therapy or at the earliest sign of viremia. Treatments were evaluated by patient and donor serologic groups and the induction regimen used. The control of symptoms and features of cytomegalovirus disease over the first 6 mo to 1 yr after transplantation. Articles, compiled using a MEDLINE search from 1976 to July 1997, were reviewed by representatives of nephrology, microbiology, pharmacy, and epidemiology. Additional information was obtained from recent review articles and conference abstracts, and from experts in the field. The evidence-based methods and values of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examinations were used. High value was placed on studies with a randomized controlled design and blinded outcome observers. Stud...