gastrointestinal disorders
Infectious Esophageal Disorders
Herpes simplex virus esophagitis and cytomegalovirus esophagitis
These infections are equally likely in transplant patients, but Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections esophagitis occurs early after transplantation (reactivation) and Endoscopy, with cytology or biopsy, is usually necessary for diagnosis. HSV is treated with IVacyclovir5 mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days,valacyclovir1 g orally 3 times a day, oracyclovir400 mg orally 5 times a day. CMV is treated withganciclovir5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days with maintenance at 5 mg/kg IV once a day for immunocompromised patients. Alternatives includefoscarnetandcidofovir. 