Journal
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Volume 13, Issue 2, Pages 101-108Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00619.x
Keywords
BK virus; kidney transplantation; immunosuppression; NAT
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
P>Background BK polyomavirus virus (BKV) nephropathy (BKVN) is the most common viral infection that affects renal allografts. Because a specific antiviral therapy is lacking, BKVN may result in graft dysfunction and/or loss. We prospectively analyzed whether monthly nucleic acid testing (NAT) for BKV replication in blood and immediate reduction of immunosuppression (IS) could prevent BKVN. Methods NAT was performed at monthly intervals for 6 months and then at 12 months in 119 de novo renal transplant recipients. In viremic patients (presumptive BKVN), a graft biopsy was systematically performed and IS was immediately reduced. Results BKV viremia occurred in 13 (10.9%) patients after a median time of 90 days (23-241); 77% of patients were viremic before month 4. After reduction of IS, viral load was undetectable in 11 patients, remained low in 1, and continued to increase in 1 patient who developed definitive BKVN despite reduction of IS, and finally returned to dialysis 6 months after transplantation. Conclusion BKV infection is an early complication. Monthly NAT in blood during the first 6 months and immediate reduction of IS in viremic patients almost completely prevent definitive BKVN.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available