Successful management of dengue in renal transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort from a single center

Introduction The literature on dengue infection in renal transplant recipients has shown wide diversity in clinical presentation and outcome. The objective of this study was to report the clinical profile, short-term and long-term outcomes of dengue among renal transplant recipients. Methods A total of 59 post-transplant dengue suspected cases were admitted from July 2019 to April 2020 of which 31 had confirmed dengue infection. The clinical and laboratory profile of the confirmed dengue cases (n = 31) were compared with non-dengue cases (n = 28). Results Among the clinical and laboratory features retro-orbital pain, conjunctival redness, thrombocytopenia on admission, and absence of arthralgia were significantly associated with dengue compared to non-dengue cases. No mortality was observed in the dengue cases. Allograft dysfunction, acute rejection and graft losses were identified in 64.5% (n = 20), 6.4% (n = 2) and 6.4% (n = 2) dengue cases respectively. No rejection or graft losses were observed in 1-year follow-up. Conclusions We report a differential clinical profile for dengue in transplant settings which will aid in the diagnosis. We also report successful management of dengue infection in renal transplant recipients with the majority having allograft dysfunction. A long-term follow-up of the cohort was uneventful.

Automated summary

This study reported the clinical profile and outcomes of dengue infection in renal transplant recipients, showing distinct features such as retro-orbital pain, conjunctival redness, thrombocytopenia, and absence of arthralgia in dengue cases compared to non-dengue cases. The majority of dengue cases experienced allograft dysfunction, but there were no cases of rejection or graft losses in the 1-year follow-up. Successful management of dengue in renal transplant recipients was achieved with no observed mortality in this cohort.