Infection rates in tacrolimus versus cyclosporine-treated pediatric kidney transplant recipients on a rapid discontinuation of prednisone protocol: 1-year analysis

The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children). In resource-limited settings, urine cytology screening at similar time points can exclude BKPyV-nephropathy, and testing for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia when decoy cells are detectable. For patients with BKPyV-DNAemia loads persisting >1000 copies/mL, or exceeding 10 000 copies/mL (or equivalent), or with biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy, immunosuppression should be reduced according to predefined steps targeting antiproliferative drugs, calcineurin inhibitors, or both. In adults without graft dysfunction, kidney allograft biopsy is not required unless the immunological risk is high. For children with persisting BKPyV-DNAemia, allograft biopsy may be considered even without graft dysfunction. Allograft biopsies should be interpreted in the context of all clinical and laboratory findings, including plasma BKPyV-DNAemia. Immunohistochemistry is preferred for diagnosing biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy. Routine screening using the proposed strategies is cost-effective, improves clinical outcomes and quality of life. Kidney retransplantation subsequent to BKPyV-nephropathy is feasible in otherwise eligible recipients if BKPyV-DNAemia is undetectable; routine graft nephrectomy is not recommended. Current studies do not support the usage of leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, or IVIGs. Patients considered for experimental treatments (antivirals, vaccines, neutralizing antibodies, and adoptive T cells) should be enrolled in clinical trials.

Human cytomegalovirus-related gastrointestinal disease after kidney transplantation: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Human-cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection involving the gastrointestinal tract represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among kidney transplant (KT) recipients (KTRs). Signs and symptoms of the disease are extremely variable. Prompt anti-viral therapy administration and immunosuppression modification are key factors for optimizing management. However, complex work-up strategies are generally required to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. Unfortunately, solid evidence and guidelines on this specific topic are not available. We consequently aimed to summarize current knowledge on post-KT hCMV-related gastrointestinal disease (hCMV-GID).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023399363) about hCMV-GID in KTRs.

RESULTS

Our systematic review includes 52 case-reports and ten case-series, published between 1985 and 2022, collectively reporting 311 cases. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms of hCMV-GID were abdominal pain, diarrhea, epigastric pain, vomiting, fever, and GI bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were the primary diagnostic techniques. In most cases, the preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Information on anti-viral prophylaxis were extremely limited as much as data on induction or maintenance immunosuppression. Treatment included ganciclovir and/or valganciclovir administration. Immunosuppression modification mainly consisted of mycophenolate mofetil or calcineurin inhibitor minimization and withdrawal. In total, 21 deaths were recorded. Renal allograft-related outcomes were described for 26 patients only. Specifically, reported events were acute kidney injury (n = 17), transplant failure (n = 5), allograft rejection (n = 4), and irreversible allograft dysfunction (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of local and national registries is strongly recommended to improve our understanding of hCMV-GID. Future clinical guidelines should consider the implementation of dedicated diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Post-transplant complications, patient, and graft survival in pediatric and adolescent kidney transplant recipients at a tropical tertiary care center across two immunosuppression eras

BACKGROUND

We report pediatric PAKT patient and graft outcomes at a large tropical tertiary center spanning two transplant eras.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, all children ≤18 years who underwent kidney transplantation at our center between 1991 and 2016 were included. Data pertaining to their baseline characteristics, post-transplant events, and outcome were retrieved from transplant records and compared between transplant eras (1991-2005 and 2006-2016).

RESULTS

A total of 139 children (mean age 15.2 ± 2.9 years) underwent PAKT during this period. The incidence of UTIs, CMV disease, BKVN, invasive fungal infections, new-onset diabetes after transplant, leucopenia, and recurrent NKD was higher in the 2006-2016 era (P < .001 for all), while 1-year cumulative BPAR was comparable (P = .100). Five-year graft and patient survival in the two eras were 89.9% and 94.2% (P = .365) and 92.1% and 95.3% (P = .739), respectively. Incidence of CMV disease, BKVN, graft loss, and death was lower in the calcineurin withdrawal group. Non-adherence accounted for 36% of graft loss; infections caused 43.7% of deaths. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, independent predictors for graft loss were UTIs and blood transfusion naïve status and for death were serious infections and glomerular NKD.

CONCLUSIONS

PAKT in India has excellent long-term graft outcomes, though patient outcomes remain suboptimal owing to a high burden of infections. Current immunosuppression protocols need to be re-examined to balance infection risk, graft, and patient survival.

Graft Nephrectomy as Rescue Therapy for Posttransplant Rhizopus Pyelonephritis in a Pediatric Patient

Rhizopus infection is an often-fatal complication after transplant. We present a 3-year-old pediatric patient with end-stage renal disease due to congenital hypoplastic kidneys who underwent deceased donor renal transplant. Approximately 3 months after transplant, the patient underwent renal biopsy for a presentation of fevers, acute kidney injury, and imaging evidence of hydronephrosis. The patient was found to have a Rhizopus infection of the transplanted kidney and underwent transplant nephrectomy. In addition to surgical debridement of the infection, the patient was treated with long-term antifungal therapy for complete eradication. After intervention, the patient has had no clinical or imaging evidence of residual or recurrent disease and has been reactivated on the transplant wait list. The positive outcome in this case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of a lethal complication.

Opportunistic Infections and Efficacy Following Conversion to Belatacept-Based Therapy after Kidney Transplantation: A French Multicenter Cohort

Conversion from calcineurin-inhibitors (CNIs) to belatacept can help kidney-transplant (KT) recipients avoid CNI-related nephrotoxicity. The risk of associated opportunistic infections (OPIs) is ill-defined. We conducted a multicentric cohort study across 15 French KT-centers in a real-life setting. Between 07-2010 and 07-2019, 453 KT recipients were converted from CNI- to belatacept-based therapy at 19 [0.13-431] months post-transplantation. Most patients, i.e., 332 (79.3%), were converted after 6-months post-transplantation. Follow-up time after conversion was 20.1 +/- 13 months. OPIs developed in 42(9.3%) patients after 14 +/- 12 months post-conversion. Eight patients (19%) had two OPI episodes during follow-up. Incidences of CMV DNAemia and CMV disease were significantly higher in patients converted before 6-months post-KT compared to those converted later (i.e., 31.6% vs. 11.5%; p < 0.001; and 11.6% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001, respectively). Cumulative incidence of OPIs was 6.5 OPIs/100 person-years. Incidence of CMV disease was 2.8/100 person-years, of pneumocystis pneumonia 1.6/100 person-years, and of aspergillosis 0.2/100 person-years. Multivariate analyses showed that estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) < 25 mL/min/1.73 m² at conversion was independently associated with OPIs (HR = 4.7 (2.2 - 10.3), p < 0.001). The incidence of EBV DNAemia was 17.3 events /100 person-years. At 1-year post-conversion, mean eGFR had significantly increased from 32.0 +/- 18 mL/min/1.73 m² to 42.2 +/- 18 mL/min/1.73 m² (p < 0.0001). Conversion to belatacept is an effective strategy with a low infectious risk.

Outcomes of kidney transplants in pediatric patients with the vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, limb abnormalities association

In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed kidney transplant outcomes in nine pediatric patients with VACTERL [vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, limb abnormalities] association-making this the largest study of its kind. Of 743 pediatric kidney transplant recipients at our center (1980-2017), nine had documented diagnoses of VACTERL association. All nine had congenital anorectal malformations and renal anomalies, five had vertebral defects, and one had a bifid thumb and tracheoesophageal fistula. Renal anomalies included dysplasia (n = 6), aplasia (n = 3), and horseshoe kidney (n = 2). Congenital lower urinary tract anomalies included neurogenic bladder (n = 6), obstructive uropathy (n = 4), anovesicular fistula (n = 1), rectourethral fistula (n = 1), and posterior urethral valves (n = 1). Age at transplant ranged from 1.2 to 15 years (mean, 7.3; standard deviation [SD], 5.5); 6 (67%) were male, and 3 (33%) were female; 6 (67%) had a living related donor, and 3 (33%) had a deceased donor. The overall graft survival rate was 78% (range, 1.5 to 25.2 years; mean, 10.5; SD, 8.9). One month post-transplant, one recipient died with a functioning graft. At 3.7 years post-transplant, one graft failed because of recurrent pyelonephritis. Post-transplant urologic complications included pyelonephritis (n = 6), vesicoureteral reflux (n = 5), and graft hydronephrosis (n = 4). We conclude that pediatric patients with VACTERL association can be safely transplanted-careful patient selection with vigilance and intervention for pre- and post-transplant urologic complications is essential.

The therapeutic effect of switching from tacrolimus to low-dose cyclosporine A in renal transplant recipients with BK virus nephropathy

Background: There is no effective therapy for BK virus (BKV) nephropathy (BKVN). Cyclosporine A (CsA) has a lower immunosuppressive effect than tacrolimus. In vitro studies have shown that CsA inhibits BKV replication. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of switching from tacrolimus to low-dose CsA in renal transplant recipients with BKVN. Methods: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with BKVN between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Tacrolimus was switched to low-dose CsA, and patients were followed for 24 months. Primary end points were BKV clearance in blood and graft. Secondary end points were urine specific gravity, serum creatinine, and graft loss. Results: The viremia in all patients cleared at a mean of 2.7 ± 2.0 months after switching to CsA. Urine specific gravity at 3 months after switching to CsA increased significantly compared with that at diagnosis (P=0.002). The timing and trend of urine specific gravity increase was consistent with the timing and trend of blood and urine viral load decrease. Repeated biopsies at a median of 11.2 months (range: 9.1-12.5 months) after switching to CsA showed that 8 patients (42.1%) were negative for BKV, and 11 patients (58.9%) had a decrease in BKV load (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the serum creatinine level between the time of diagnosis and 24 months of CsA therapy (P=0.963). The graft survival rate was 100%. Only two patients (8.3%) suffered from acute rejection. Conclusion: Switching from tacrolimus to low-dose CsA may be an effective therapy for BKVN.

Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Children

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children and confers improved survival, skeletal growth, heath-related quality of life, and neuropsychological development compared with dialysis. Kidney transplantation in children with ESRD results in 10-year patient survival exceeding 90%. Therefore, the long-term management of these patients is focused on maintaining quality of life and minimizing long-term side effects of immunosuppression. Optimal management of pediatric kidney transplant recipients includes preventing rejection and infection, identifying and reducing the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of long-term immunosuppressive therapy, supporting normal growth and development, and managing a smooth transition into adulthood.