New influenza A (H1N1/09) in three renal transplant patients

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Immunology

Background:

• The novel influenza A (H1N1/09) poses a significant risk to immunosuppressed individuals, particularly renal transplant recipients.
• Immunosuppression in renal transplant patients increases susceptibility to severe influenza complications, prolonged infection, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first cases of PCR-confirmed H1N1 respiratory tract infection in renal transplant patients.
• To evaluate the clinical course and treatment response to oseltamivir in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• Case report of renal transplant patients diagnosed with H1N1 infection via PCR.
• Clinical course observation, including co-infections.
• Assessment of oseltamivir treatment efficacy and impact on renal function.

Main Results:

• Patients presented with a surprisingly mild clinical course, despite co-infections in two instances.
• Oseltamivir treatment initiated promptly after diagnosis led to rapid clinical improvement.
• Virus shedding decreased effectively with oseltamivir treatment.
• Renal transplant function remained stable throughout the treatment period.

Conclusions:

• Renal transplant patients with H1N1 infection may experience a milder course than anticipated.
• Early oseltamivir treatment is beneficial for clinical outcomes and viral clearance in this cohort.
• Oseltamivir is safe and effective in treating H1N1 in renal transplant recipients, without adverse effects on graft function.