The prevalence and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease among patients with cytomegalovirus disease

Aims: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious condition.The present study evaluated the prevalence and outcome of IBD-CMV colitis among patients with CMV disease. Methods:We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the patients with IBD and CMV colitis between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022.We identified IBD-CMV colitis based on the presence of CMV in tissue or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result of 1000 copies/mL with no other clinical explanations.The frequency of IBD-CMV colitis, relapse rate, requirement of surgical interventions, and associated mortality were assessed.Results: Out of 163 patients with CMV disease screened, 28 (17.2%) were diagnosed with CMV colitis and IBD [median age: 54 (19-67) years, men: 77%].The frequency of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease was 93% and 7%, respectively.Most CMV PCR assays (97%) were performed using serum, whereas the remaining tests were performed using serum and tissue samples.CMV was not detected via immunohistochemistry or hematoxylin-eosin staining in any patient.Antiviral treatment was initiated in 74% of the patients and lasted a median of 20 days (6-32 days).No surgical interventions or diseaserelated deaths were identified. Conclusions:This electronic medical records study showed that IBD-CMV colitis was a rare disease among patients with CMV disease and generally followed a favorable course.