Clearance of BK Virus Nephropathy by Combination Antiviral Therapy With Intravenous Immunoglobulin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reactivation of BK polyoma virus causes a destructive virus allograft nephropathy (BKVAN) with graft loss in 46%. Treatment options are limited to reduced immunosuppression and largely ineffective antiviral agents. Some studies suggest benefit from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Methods

We evaluated effectiveness of adjuvant IVIG to eliminate virus from blood and tissue, in a retrospective, single-center cohort study, against standard-of-care controls. Both groups underwent reduced immunosuppression; conversion of tacrolimus to cyclosporine; and mycophenolate to leflunomide, oral ciprofloxacin, and intravenous cidofovir.

Results

Biopsy-proven BKVAN occurred in 50 kidneys at 7 (median interquartile range, 3-12) months after transplantation, predominantly

SUBMITTER: Kable K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5381735 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature