Work

Native BK Viral Nephropathy After Pediatric Heart Transplantation Treated With Bilateral Native Nephrectomy and Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: BK Polyoma virus (BKV) can lead to significant renal complications in immunocompromised individuals. While commonly observed in kidney transplant recipients, its occurrence in non-renal solid organ transplant (NRSOT) recipients remains rare. The mainstay of treatment for BKV nephropathy in these patients involves careful reduction of immunosuppression. SUMMARY: In this report, we present a unique case of end-stage renal disease due to refractory BKV nephropathy in a pediatric heart transplant patient. The patient was treated with bilateral native nephrectomy to eliminate the viral reservoir with clearance of her BK viremia. This led to a six-month period of viral clearance, allowing for subsequent living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). CONCLUSION: BKV nephropathy is a rare entity in NRSOT patients. This case highlights the successful management of refractory BKV nephropathy in a pediatric heart transplant recipient through bilateral native nephrectomy, leading to an extended period of viral clearance and subsequent LDKT. Further studies are needed to explore the broader applicability of this approach in NRSOT recipients.

Source: Pediatric Transplantation

DOI: 10.1111/petr.14863

Authors: Kann Rachel, Meshkin Dana, Crane Andrew, Salgado Claudia, Xu Qingyong, Ganoza Armando

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, UPMC Health System

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730