Samantha A. Kuten

Observations on the use of cidofovir for BK virus infection in renal transplantation

In renal transplantation, BK virus infection can result in significant graft nephropathy and loss. While reduction in immunosuppression (IS) is considered standard therapy, adjunct agents may be warranted. Data are suggestive of a possible role of cidofovir for the management of BK. This study aims to describe the course of BK viremia (BKV) in a large cohort of renal transplant patients receiving adjunct cidofovir.

Combination Drug Products for HIV-A Word of Caution for the Transplant Clinician.

Modern‐day treatment regimens for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not only highly effective, but are now more often available as convenient fixed‐dose combination products. Furthermore, as medication adherence is of utmost importance in this setting, national guidelines endorse the use of such products. Transplant providers of HIV‐infected patients will undoubtedly encounter these products, some of which contain medications known to drastically alter the metabolism of certain immunosuppressants. Herein, we describe an instance of drug interaction–induced calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity in a renal transplant recipient being started on a cobicistat‐containing combination product for HIV. CNI toxicity, in turn, was resolved with the aid of phenytoin as an inducer of drug metabolism. This case underscores the importance of familiarity with newer combination products on the market and constant communication with HIV‐positive transplant recipients and their providers.

Disparate rates of acute rejection and donor-specific antibodies among high-immunologic risk renal transplant subgroups receiving antithymocyte globulin induction.

Lymphocyte‐depleting induction lowers acute rejection (AR) rates among high‐immunologic risk (HIR) renal transplant recipients, including African Americans (AAs), retransplants, and the sensitized. It is unclear whether different HIR subgroups experience similarly low rates of AR. We aimed to describe the incidence of AR and de novo donor‐specific antibody (dnDSA) among HIR recipients categorized by age, race, or donor type. All received antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and triple maintenance immunosuppression. A total of 464 HIR recipients from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. AR and dnDSA rates at 1 year for the entire population were 14% and 27%, respectively. AR ranged from 6.7% among living donor (LD) recipients to 30% in younger AA deceased donor (DD) recipients. De novo donor‐specific antibody at 1 year ranged from 7% in older non‐AA LD recipients to 32% in AAs. AA race remained as an independent risk factor for AR among DD recipients and for dnDSA among all HIR recipients. Development of both AR and dnDSA within the first year was associated with a 54% graft survival at 5 years and was an independent risk factor for graft loss. Despite utilization of recommended immunosuppression for HIR recipients, substantial disparities exist among subgroups, warranting further consideration of individualized immunosuppression in certain HIR subgroups.

Resolution of Mild Ganciclovir-Resistant Cytomegalovirus Disease with Reduced-Dose Cidofovir and CMV-Hyperimmune Globulin

Ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity in solid organ transplant recipients. Management of ganciclovir-resistant CMV may be complicated by nephrotoxicity which is commonly observed with recommended therapies and/or rejection induced by “indirect” viral effects or reduction of immunosuppression. Herein, we report a series of four high serologic risk (donor CMV positive/recipient CMV negative) kidney transplant patients diagnosed with ganciclovir-resistant CMV disease. All patients initially developed “breakthrough” viremia while still receiving valganciclovir prophylaxis after transplant and were later confirmed to exhibit UL97 mutations after failing to eradicate virus on adequate dosages of valganciclovir. The patients were subsequently and successfully treated with reduced-dose (1-2 mg/kg) cidofovir and CMV-hyperimmune globulin, given in 2-week intervals. In addition, all patients exhibited stable renal function after completion of therapy, and none experienced acute rejection. The combination of reduced-dose cidofovir and CMV-hyperimmune globulin appeared to be a safe and effective regimen in patients with mild disease due to ganciclovir-resistant CMV.

Conversion from tacrolimus-mycophenolate mofetil to tacrolimus-mTOR immunosuppression after kidney-pancreas transplantation reduces the incidence of both BK and CMV viremia

We sought to determine whether conversion from tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil (TAC‐MMF) into tacrolimus/mTOR inhibitor (TAC‐mTOR) immunosuppression would reduce the incidences of BK and CMV viremia after kidney/pancreas (KP) transplantation.

Unexplained fever after pancreas transplantation

Fever occurs frequently early after pancreas transplant, however, the exact cause is often undetermined. Limited data are available on pancreas recipients experiencing unexplained, noninfectious fever. This study aims to characterize unexplained fever (UF) in pancreas recipients and its effect on patient and graft outcomes.

Belatacept conversion in an HIV‐positive kidney transplant recipient following anti‐thymocyte globulin induction

Herein, we describe a case of early belatacept conversion in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive kidney transplant recipient in an effort to improve suboptimal graft function and avoid drug interactions following anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) administration. We observed improvement in renal function without HIV disease progression or opportunistic infections. Donor‐specific antibodies appeared shortly after conversion but cleared without intervention. This case highlights belatacept as a means to improve renal function and avoid significant drug interactions even following ATG induction.