Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy in renal and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients: report of three cases

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2015 Jan;26(1):94-7. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.148750.

Abstract

Infection with polyomavirus (BK virus) is the cause of renal graft losses in more than 50% of the infected cases. There should be a high index of suspicion about this disease, although the incidence is only between 2% and 5% as the future of renal graft depends on the early and appropriate management of the same. Herein, we describe three clinical cases: Two were those of kidney transplant and the third, a combined kidney-pancreas transplant. In these cases, by reducing immunosuppression and, in one case, replacing the calcineurin inhibitor by MTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) in addition, we were able to preserve of the normal function of the transplanted organs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • BK Virus*
  • Female
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Cortex Necrosis / virology*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Polyomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / complications*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents