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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Respiratory syncytial virus infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is uncommon in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Early diagnosis of RSV infection in these patients does not appear to increase mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Transplant Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Immunocompromised patients face higher risks from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Assessing RSV incidence and outcomes in pediatric renal transplant (Tx) recipients is crucial.
Observation:
- Five pediatric renal Tx recipients (3%) developed RSV infection between 11-39 months of age.
- Symptoms included respiratory distress, fever, and abnormal chest X-rays.
- Three recipients experienced acute rejection episodes during or after RSV infection.
Findings:
- RSV infection is infrequently diagnosed in pediatric renal Tx recipients.
- The clinical course of RSV in these patients resembled that in healthy children.
- Early RSV diagnosis did not correlate with increased mortality.
Implications:
- The potential link between RSV infection and acute rejection warrants further investigation.
- Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of RSV are vital for pediatric renal transplant outcomes.
Abstract:
Immunocompromised patients are considered at increased risk from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. We examined the incidence and outcome of RSV infection in pediatric renal transplant (Tx) recipients on chronic immunosuppressive therapy. Of 173 recipients transplanted between November 1985 and April 1993, 5 (3%) developed RSV infection (age range 11-39 months). Initial immunosuppression included prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, and polyclonal antibody therapy. Time from Tx to onset of RSV infection was 1 day to 7 months. Symptoms included rhinorrhea, cough, tachypnea, retractions, fever, wheezing, and abnormal chest X-ray. Treatment included bronchodilator therapy, bronchial drainage, ribavirin, and mist tent. Azathioprine was transiently withheld for leukopenia during treatment in 2 recipients. Three recipients developed biopsy-proven acute rejection during (n = 2) or immediately following (n = 1) RSV infection; all responded to corticosteroid treatment. RSV infection is not commonly diagnosed in pediatric renal Tx recipients. The course of RSV infection in our patients did not differ from that reported in normal children. The possible association between RSV and acute rejection warrants further observation. When diagnosed early, RSV infection does not appear to be associated with increased mortality in pediatric renal Tx recipients. Larger numbers of recipients need to be studied to confirm these results.
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