Viral Infections in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients: Effects on Graft Function, Risk Factors, and Patient...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Transplant Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Viral infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
• Understanding the impact of these infections on graft function and patient outcomes is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of viral infections on graft function in pediatric kidney transplant patients.
• To identify risk factors, frequency, and types of viral infections.
• To evaluate the impact of viral infections on kidney and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 79 pediatric kidney transplant recipients from February 2010 to December 2023.
• Analysis of demographic, laboratory, and clinical data, including immunosuppression and rejection episodes.
• Assessment of viral infections, glomerular filtration rate, and graft loss rates.

Main Results:

• 18% of patients experienced viral infections, with cytomegalovirus, BK virus, and varicella zoster virus being most common.
• Viral infections were associated with acute rejection episodes in 44% of cases, often occurring after rejection.
• Reduced glomerular filtration rate (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was observed in 60% of infection episodes; two deaths were attributed to viral infections.

Conclusions:

• Viral infections have a significant negative impact on pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of viral infections are essential for improving graft and patient survival.
• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for viral infections in this vulnerable population.