Fulminant Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in a renal transplant patient and review of the literature

Use of rituximab in SARS-CoV-2-positive renal transplant recipient with EBV reactivation and probable haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

We present a case of a rapid clinical recovery in a critically ill kidney transplant recipient with SARS-CoV-2 positivity, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and probable secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) treated with etoposide-free regimen, based on dexamethasone and a single dose of rituximab. Although rituximab is often a part of EBV-HLH treatment strategy, its use in simultaneous Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) and solid-organ transplantation has not been reported yet. We review the current evidence for the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to trigger EBV reactivation, leading to a severe clinical illness. Finally, we compare the clinical features of hyper-inflammatory response typical for severe COVID-19 and classical secondary HLH and discuss the benefits of therapeutic B-cell depletion in both conditions.

Virus-Associated Nephropathies: A Narrative Review

While most viral infections cause mild symptoms and a spontaneous favorable resolution, some can lead to severe or protracted manifestations, specifically in immunocompromised hosts. Kidney injuries related to viral infections may have multiple causes related to the infection severity, drug toxicity or direct or indirect viral-associated nephropathy. We review here the described virus-associated nephropathies in order to guide diagnosis strategies and treatments in cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring concomitantly with a viral infection. The occurrence of virus-associated nephropathy depends on multiple factors: the local epidemiology of the virus, its ability to infect renal cells and the patient's underlying immune response, which varies with the state of immunosuppression. Clear comprehension of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with a summary of described direct and indirect injuries should help physicians to diagnose and treat viral associated nephropathies.

Hemophagocytic syndrome triggered by donor-transmitted toxoplasmosis as a complication in same-donor recipients of renal transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is an infrequent complication of transplantation caused by an inflammatory response with a benign proliferation of macrophages and defective lytic capability of T lymphocytes and NK cells that can lead to multiorgan failure. Transplant patients are particularly exposed as a result of the increased risk of both infections and malignancies derived from immunosuppressive drugs. There is no consensus for therapy or immunosuppression; mortality is high. We report a case and present a review of all cases of HPS occurring in solid organ transplant recipients.  CASE REPORT: We report two cases of infection by Toxoplasma gondii transmitted by the kidney allograft. One of the recipients was seronegative before transplantation and developed disseminated primary toxoplasmosis. An immune reaction compatible with an HPS ensued. Both were treated with Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, immunosuppression was tapered, and after a 2-week period a complete response was obtained.

CONCLUSION

HPS presents therapeutic challenges in the context of transplantation. If HPS is suspected, the search of a very likely underlying infection should be central to the management.

Cytomegalovirus-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome Diagnosed by Liver Biopsy in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease in kidney transplant recipients, and is caused by systemic proliferation of macrophages actively phagocytizing other blood cells in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen. Here, we report a 40-year-old male kidney transplant recipient who presented with fever, bicytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes 2 months after transplantation. Given that cytomegalovirus antigenemia and real-time polymerase chain reaction tests were positive, liver biopsy was performed under an assumption of cytomegalovirus-induced hepatitis. Hepatic histology revealed multifocal microabscess with cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies, marked Kupffer cell hyperplasia, and erythrophagocytosis by activated macrophages. As laboratory findings such as hyperferritinemia, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase, low natural killer cell activity, and high soluble interleukin-2 receptor were also compatible with HPS, the recipient was diagnosed as having cytomegalovirus-induced hepatitis combined with reactive HPS. Following intravenous ganciclovir therapy with continuous administration of tacrolimus and corticosteroid, the symptoms resolved and laboratory findings were normalized. As far as we know, this is the first report of cytomegalovirus-induced hepatitis combined with reactive HPS in a kidney transplant recipient that is diagnosed by liver biopsy.

Unusual Presentation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Kidney Transplant Patient

We are presenting a case of a middle-aged woman with history of remote kidney transplantation who had multiple admissions for septic shock-like picture, recurrent fever, and hypotension. Her shock manifestation would resolve after stress dose steroid administration and less than 24 hours of vasopressor administration. Initially, extensive workup was performed without revealing etiology. Eventually, a bone marrow biopsy was carried out leading to the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, most likely related to recent cytomegalovirus infection.

Viral infections in solid organ transplant recipients: novel updates and a review of the classics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize new discoveries in viral pathogenesis and novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in organ transplant recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS

For decades, prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been the standard preventive strategy, but new clinical trials are expected to determine the advantages of preemptive therapy over prophylaxis. Novel anti-CMV agents, such as maribavir and letermovir, are being studied for the treatment of resistant/refractory CMV as alternatives to foscarnet and cidofovir. CMV immune monitoring may offer individualized management plans. Epstein-Barr virus infections in transplant recipients are difficult to prevent and treat, though recent data suggest possible merit to pretransplant rituximab among high-risk transplant recipients. We review the groundbreaking HIV-to-HIV organ transplant trials, which are expected to revolutionize the care of HIV-infected individuals. Finally, we review topical developments in human herpesvirus 8, Zika virus, RNA respiratory viruses, adenovirus, norovirus, and polyoma viruses in organ transplantation.

SUMMARY

Ongoing trials to optimize CMV prophylaxis and treatment, and outcomes of HIV-to-HIV organ transplantation in the United States, have significant implications to optimize management of these viruses in transplant recipients. Assessment of new antivirals and antiviral strategies, such as adoptive immunotherapy, is warranted for refractory viral infections.