Donor-derived Cell-free DNA and the Prediction of BK Virus-associated Nephropathy.

ABSTRACT: Approximately 15% of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) develop BK viremia (BKV), with 1%-10% developing BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), which histologically resembles rejection. The Diagnosing Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients (DART) study showed that donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels <1% have a negative predictive value of 85% for active allograft rejection. Using data from this study, we evaluated the association of dd-cfDNA with plasma BK viral loads and biopsy findings to determine if dd-cfDNA can distinguish asymptomatic BKV from BKVAN.

Methods

Data on dd-cfDNA, plasma BK viral loads, and biopsy findings from patients from the DART study were retrospectively examined. BKV was defined as 500-10 000 copies/mL. Presumptive BKVAN was defined as

SUBMITTER: Kant S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7587413 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature