Subclinical CMV viremia is associated with increased nosocomial infections and prolonged hospitalization in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases.

Objective: Subclinical cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia has been associated with other infections, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality in select immunosuppressed populations. We examined the incidence and outcomes of subclinical CMV viremia in hospitalized patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (AD) [systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV)] using a highly sensitive CMV assay.

Methods: Prospectively collected samples were obtained from AD hospitalized patients at study entry with a second sample collected 1 week later or at hospital discharge.