BK Virus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Influence of Immunosuppression
Author Information
Author(s): Katherine A. Barraclough, Nicole M. Isbel, Christine E. Staatz, David W. Johnson
Primary Institution: University of Queensland at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
Hypothesis
The specific contribution of individual immunosuppressive medications to the risk of BK virus replication in kidney transplant recipients has not been well established.
Conclusion
Immunosuppression is a major risk factor for BK virus replication, but no single drug has been conclusively shown to influence the development of posttransplant BK infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunosuppression has been accepted as a major risk for BK virus replication.
- BKVAN has emerged as an important cause of graft loss.
- Current knowledge regarding risk factors for BKVAN is extremely limited and inconsistent.
- Reduction of immunosuppression remains the mainstay of treatment for BKV replication.
Takeaway
This study looks at how different medicines used to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients can affect the risk of getting a virus that can harm the kidney.
Methodology
The study involved a randomized controlled trial comparing tacrolimus and cyclosporine in kidney transplant recipients.
Potential Biases
Potential indication bias due to the retrospective nature of many studies included.
Limitations
The study's results may be confounded by variable immunosuppressive cotherapy exposure.
Participant Demographics
Adult kidney transplant recipients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.61
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.1–7.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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