Cytomegalovirus-related colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: We aimed to examine the role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which remains highly debated.

Methods: Retrospective, observational study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2015-2017. Patients with ICD9/10CM codes for Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and CMV colitis were included in the study. The primary outcome was the odds of CMV colitis in patients with IBD compared to patients without IBD. Secondary outcomes were differences in inpatient morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, colectomy rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), and inflation-adjusted total hospitalization costs.

Results: A total of 992,445 patients with IBD were identified, out of which 520 (0.05%) had associated CMV colitis. Patients with IBD had significantly higher odds of CMV colitis compared to patients without IBD (aOR: 19.76, p < 0.01), having an even greater association with UC (aOR: 31.13, p < 0.01). CMV colitis in patients with CD was associated with a significant increase in odds of mortality, shock, and ICU stay, while patients with UC had higher odds of colectomy. The patients with IBD and CMV colitis had higher odds of acute kidney injury, multiorgan failure, markedly increased additional hospital costs, and LOS compared to patients with IBD and no CMV colitis.

Conclusions: IBD has a significant association with CMV colitis, and the presence of CMV colitis in patients with IBD was associated with higher mortality, morbidity, and hospital costs. Prospectively designed studies may better elucidate the risk factors and impact of CMV colitis on patients with IBD.