De Novo Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis After COVID-19 in a Patient With a Transplanted Kidney From a Donor With a High-risk APOL1 Variant

Transplantation. 2021 Jan 1;105(1):206-211. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003432.

Abstract

Background: There is compelling evidence that renal complications in a native kidney are a major concern in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The spectrum of renal lesions observed on renal grafts in this context remains to be determined.

Methods: We report the case of a renal transplant recipient with non-severe COVID-19, who subsequently developed nephrotic syndrome associated with acute renal injury.

Results: Renal biopsy demonstrated focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions classified as not otherwise specified histological variant. Genotyping for 2 risk alleles of the apolipoprotein L1 gene demonstrated that the donor was homozygous for the G2/G2 genotype.

Conclusions: In renal transplant patients receiving kidneys from donors with high-risk apolipoprotein L1 variants, COVID-19 may promote acute glomerular injury in the form of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Apolipoprotein L1 / genetics*
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Tissue Donors*

Substances

  • APOL1 protein, human
  • Apolipoprotein L1

Supplementary concepts

  • Segmental glomerulosclerosis