Intravenous Immunoglobulin as a Treatment for BK Virus Associated Nephropathy: One-Year Follow-Up of Renal Allograft Recipients

Authors

Alp Sener, The University of Western Ontario
Andrew A. House, The University of Western Ontario
Anthony M. Jevnikar, The University of Western Ontario
Neil Boudville, London Health Sciences Center, London, ON
Vivian C. McAlister, The University of Western Ontario
Norman Muirhead, The University of Western Ontario
Faisal Rehman, The University of Western Ontario
Patrick P. W. Luke, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-15-2006

Journal

Transplantation

Volume

81

Issue

1

First Page

117

Last Page

120

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.tp.0000181096.14257.c2

Abstract

BK virus associated nephropathy (BKVAN) has emerged as an important cause of renal allograft dysfunction and graft loss. Although several treatment strategies have been proposed, the rate of graft loss remains high. We studied the outcome of renal transplant patients with BKVAN treated with IVIG. After 11.4 +/- 3.9 months (mean +/- SEM) from the time of transplantation, 8 renal allograft recipients were diagnosed with BKVAN. In addition to a reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, patients received 2 g/kg IVIG. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, all except one patient are currently off dialysis. In summary, after IVIG therapy, 88% of patients still have functioning grafts, although renal function continues to be impaired. The benefit of concomitant IVIG and reduction of immunosuppressive therapy in BKVAN needs to be further addressed in randomized, multicentered trials.