Extracorporeal photopheresis for refractory BK virus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplantation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) remains an important risk factor for kidney graft loss. The current strategy to treat the BKVAN consists in reducing immunosuppressants. However, this strategy increases the risk of graft rejection, especially in highly sensitized patients or those with previous rejection episodes. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for the treatment of T cell-mediated disorders, such as solid organ rejection in cardiac, lung and hepatic transplantation, due to its immunotolerogenic effect. In addition, some data suggest that ECP might also have an immunogenic effect, generating an immune response against infections.

Methods

Herein we present a single-center case series of 13 patients with refractory histological-diagnosed BKVA

SUBMITTER: Escudero-Saiz VJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715306 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature