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BK polyomavirus infection in pediatric heart transplant recipients: a prospective study
Author(s) -
DucharmeSmith Allison,
Katz Ben Z.,
Bobrowski Amy E.,
Backer Carl L.,
Pahl Elfriede
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1111/petr.12830
Subject(s) - medicine , bk virus , polyomavirus infections , viremia , incidence (geometry) , transplantation , prospective cohort study , nephropathy , kidney transplantation , gastroenterology , renal function , immunology , pediatrics , virus , endocrinology , physics , optics , diabetes mellitus
BKV infection and nephropathy complicate pediatric HT x, but the incidence and time course of the disease are unknown. We assessed the incidence of BKV infection and its association with kidney dysfunction in pediatric HT x recipients. A single center prospective study compared pediatric (<18 years) HT x recipients, with and without BKV infection, who received an allograft between September 2013 and December 2014. Screening of urine for BKV was performed prior to transplant, and at week 1, and at months 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months post‐transplantation. Serum for BKV DNA was assayed if BK viruria was present. Statistics included Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. Twelve patients were enrolled. Two patients were removed per parent request. Two (20%) had BK viruria and one (10%) had BK viremia. No patients developed BKVN . BK viruria was present within 2 months following transplantation. There were no identifiable risk factors for BKV infection and no statistically significant difference in renal function between the groups; however, there was a trend toward worsening renal function in those with BKV infection. BKV infection can occur early following heart transplantation. Screening for BK viruria should be considered in HT x recipients.