Treatment of BK virus-associated nephropathy with Cidofovir in renal transplantation

Transplant Proc. 2008 Nov;40(9):2930-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.09.002.

Abstract

BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVN) has become recognized as an important cause of allograft dysfunction among transplant recipients. Despite reduction in immunosuppression, 30%-40% of recipients progress to allograft loss. Cidofovir is an antiviral agent that has been proposed for treatment of BKVN. We describe the clinical course, renal function, and blood viral measurement in 6 renal transplant recipients with BKVN who were treated with low doses of cidofovir. Administration of cidofovir was associated with clearance of BK virus DNA from blood and stabilization of renal function in 5 cases. These data suggest that cidofovir may be useful as adjuvant therapy for BKVN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • BK Virus / drug effects*
  • Cidofovir
  • Cytosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cytosine / therapeutic use
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organophosphonates / therapeutic use*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polyomavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / pathology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / pathology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Organophosphonates
  • Cytosine
  • Cidofovir