Early allograft inflammation and scarring associate with graft dysfunction and poor outcomes in renal transplant recipients with delayed graft function: a prospective single center cohort study

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection endemic in Singapore. Its impact in renal transplantation is limited to small case series. We aimed to characterise the clinical presentation and outcomes of dengue infection among renal transplant recipients in Singapore. Methods: We conducted a 15-year retrospective review of dengue in renal transplant patients treated at Singapore General Hospital between January 2005 and October 2019. The diagnosis of dengue was made if there were a compatible clinical syndrome and a positive dengue diagnostic assay (Dengue NS1 antigen, IgM or RT-PCR). Results: 31 patients were diagnosed with dengue, 18 (58.1%) were deceased donor recipients. The median age was 52 (IQR 40–61) years; 16 (51.6%) were females. The median time to diagnosis was 99 (IQR 18–169) months from transplant. The most common clinical symptoms were fever (87.1%), myalgia (41.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (38.7%) and headache (25.8%). 19 (61.3%) patients had dengue without warning signs, 9 (29.0%) had dengue with warning signs, 3 (9.7%) had severe dengue and 30 (96.8%) were hospitalized. 17 (54.8%) patients had graft dysfunction, 16 (94.1%) of whom had recovery of graft function. 1 (3.2%) patient required dialysis and subsequently died. There were two cases of donor-derived infections (DDIs) with favourable outcomes. Conclusion: Our experience with dengue in renal transplant recipients is concordant with published data. Although graft dysfunction is common, it is often transient with favourable outcomes. Outpatient management may be considered for mild infections. Although dengue DDIs are uncommon, more stringent donor screening may be considered in endemic regions.

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Initial mycophenolate dose in tacrolimus treated renal transplant recipients, a cohort study comparing leukopaenia, rejection and long-term graft function

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-76379-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vatsa Dave ◽

Kevan R. Polkinghorne ◽

Khai Gene Leong ◽

John Kanellis ◽

William R. Mulley

Keyword(s):

Renal Function ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Renal Transplant ◽

Graft Function ◽

Renal Transplant Recipients ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Post Transplantation ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract The evidence supporting an initial mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dose of 2 g daily in tacrolimus-treated renal transplant recipients is limited. In a non-contemporaneous single-centre cohort study we compared the incidence of leukopaenia, rejection and graft dysfunction in patients initiated on MMF 1.5 g and 2 g daily. Baseline characteristics and tacrolimus trough levels were similar by MMF group. MMF doses became equivalent between groups by 12-months post-transplant, driven by dose reductions in the 2 g group. Leukopaenia occurred in 42.4% of patients by 12-months post-transplant. MMF 2 g was associated with a 1.80-fold increased risk of leukopaenia compared to 1.5 g. Rejection occurred in 44.8% of patients by 12-months post-transplantation. MMF 2 g was associated with half the risk of rejection relative to MMF 1.5 g. Over the first 7-years post-transplantation there was no difference in renal function between groups. Additionally, the development of leukopaenia or rejection did not result in reduced renal function at 7-years post-transplant. Leukopaenia was not associated with an increased incidence of serious infections or rejection. This study demonstrates the initial MMF dose has implications for the incidence of leukopaenia and rejection. Since neither dose produced superior long-term graft function, clinical equipoise remains regarding the optimal initial mycophenolate dose in tacrolimus-treated renal transplant recipients.

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