De-novo Initiation of Letermovir vs Valganciclovir for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in AA Kidney Transplant Recipients

We will test the study hypothesis in a single center, matched (1:1 fashion) pilot study of Letermovir 480 mg once daily versus historically matched AA kidney transplant recipients who received valganciclovir. We will enroll 30 AA patients over a 12-month period into the Letermovir group and compare outcomes to a historical group of 30 AA kidney transplant recipients who have received valganciclovir prophylaxis (1:1 fashion), for a total of 60 patients. We will attempt to match patients on Letermovir to the historical patients who received valganciclovir, based on age, kidney Donor profile index and the presence of panel of reactive antibodies.

The control study group will include high-risk African American kidney transplant recipients cared for with Valganciclovir in the 5 years prior to the enrollment start for the study group. This time frame is based upon the current volume of transplants done at VCU. On average 30 liver and/or kidney transplants are done per month. Thus, 5 years should be an adequate time frame to mine enough number of participants to answer our primary research hypothesis.