Elimination of BK viremia in renal transplant recipients by optimization of immunosuppressive medications without precipitating acute rejection.

Elimination of BK viremia in renal transplant recipients by optimization of immunosuppressive medications without precipitating acute rejection. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2018 Sep-Oct;29(5):1073-1081 Authors: Jha A, Ahmed W, Pakkyara A, Shaheen F, Al Salmi I Abstract BK Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) has been recognized as an increasing threat in renal transplant patients (RTP) for more than a decade. Reduction in immunosuppression is the mainstay of treatment through various options of treatment has been suggested. Published reports on these protocols have shown mixed results, and no randomized controlled trials have compared one strategy with another. In this context, we hypothesize that the appearance of BKV in the blood compels one to optimize the immunosuppression with possible long-term beneficial effects. We conducted a retrospective study among the RTP being followed up by the Renal Medicine Department at Royal Hospital who tested positive for BKV-polymerase chain reaction and whose immunosuppression was altered with a final aim to get rid of BK viremia, yet avoiding acute rejection. Results were analyzed by the clinical and statistical approach. Extensive literature review was carried out to look into the prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of BKVAN. In all the patients in whom BKV was detected alteration in immunosuppression resulted in eliminating the virus without precipitating acute rejection. The study s...
Source: Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl Source Type: research