Leflunomide Treatment in BK Virus Associated Nephropathy after Renal Transplantation.
- Author:
Young Ki SON
1
;
Joon Seok OH
;
Hyae Ju OH
;
Yong Hun SHIN
;
Joong Kyung KIM
;
Hyeon Joo JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Bong Seng Hospital, Busan, Korea. kidney119@hotmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
BK virus;
Kidney transplantation;
Leflunomide
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
BK Virus;
Creatinine;
Graft Rejection;
Graft Survival;
Humans;
Immunosuppression;
Isoxazoles;
Kidney;
Kidney Transplantation;
Transplantation, Homologous;
Transplants;
Viral Load;
Viruses
- From:Korean Journal of Nephrology
2009;28(3):211-218
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE:BK virus associated nephropathy (BKVAN) affects 1-10% of kidney transplant (KT) patients and it produces a progressive destruction of allograft. Reducing immunosuppression is the only way to save the graft, while it needs tight monitoring of the graft rejection and graft survival is poorer in advanced case. Leflunomide has immunosuppressive effect and also antiviral activity. Addition of leflunomide may improve BK virus clearance and graft survival. METHODS:6 KT patients with biopsy proven BKVAN (Histological pattern B) were treated with leflunomide and reduced immunosuppression. All patients were monitored with serial determination of viral load in blood and graft function. RESULTS:BKVAN was diagnosed at 14 months (7-28) post transplant, at that time median serum creatinine concentration was 2.8 mg/dL (1.8-3.6). 12.5 months (6-16) later of leflunomide treatment, median serum creatinine was 2.3 mg/dL and no graft loss was found. CONCLUSION:Leflunomide therapy with reduced immunosuppression may be effective in the treatment for BKVAN.
