Letters To The Editor
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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Nov 15, 2014; 5(4): 589-590
Published online Nov 15, 2014. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v5.i4.589
Antiviral treatment in patients with cytomegalovirus positive ulcerative colitis
Kadir Ozturk
Kadir Ozturk, Department of Gastroenterology, Gulhane School of Medicine, GATA Gastroenteroloji BD, Etlik, 06010 Ankara, Turkey
Author contributions: Ozturk K contributed to the paper.
Correspondence to: Kadir Ozturk, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, Gulhane School of Medicine, GATA Gastroenteroloji BD, General Tevfik Saglam Street, Etlik, 06010 Ankara, Turkey. kadirozturk3041@gmail.com
Telephone: +90-312-3044047 Fax: +90-312-3044045
Received: May 6, 2014
Revised: June 29, 2014
Accepted: September 16, 2014
Published online: November 15, 2014
Processing time: 197 Days and 10.3 Hours
Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Many studies suggested that CMV infection is an exacerbating factor in patients with ulcerative colitis. The role of CMV in exacerbations of ulcerative colitis has been discussed. One of studies starting this discussion is an article entitled “CMV positive ulcerative colitis: A single center experience and literature review” by Kopylov et al. However, we think that there are some points that should be emphasized about the study. Especially, the small number of patients in the study has led to meaningless results. Large controlled prospective trials are needed to clarify the benefit of antiviral therapy for active ulcerative colitis patients.

Keywords: Cytomegalovirus; Ulcerative colitis; Antiviral treatment; Steroid resistant; Colonoscopy

Core tip: Many studies suggested that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an exacerbating factor in patients with ulcerative colitis. The role of CMV in exacerbations of ulcerative colitis has been discussed. We believe that large controlled prospective trials are needed to clarify the benefit of antiviral therapy for active ulcerative colitis patients.