Dengue infection in kidney transplant recipients: clinical course and its impact on renal function

Introduction: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk for dengue virus (DENV) infection. The aim of this study was to outline the clinical presentation and laboratory profile of DENV infection in KTR and its impact on renal function. Methods: This was a retrospective study of KTR diagnosed with DENV infection. Adult patients who visited Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Nephrology Center between April and September 2019 were included. Patients who did not sign the Informed Consent were excluded. Data were collected from the database and medical records. The study was approved by the local Institutional Ethics Committee and the Informed Consent was obtained. Results: Nineteen KTR were evaluated. The main signs and symptoms were myalgia, headache/retro-orbital pain, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Two patients had acute cholecystitis without calculus, three experienced pleural and/or pericardial effusion, and one developed acute myocarditis. All patients were under immunosuppression with prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate, and most were not receiving induction therapy. Temporary suspension/reduction of immunosuppression was required in 58% of patients and leukopenia was the most common reason. Thrombocytopenia was common and 58% of patients developed acute kidney injury. All patients recovered renal function. Conclusions: DENV infection in KTR patients seems to follow a similar course as in the general population. Although there was no control group, we suspect that immunosuppression, preexisting kidney disease or type of donor was not a determining factor in most patients. Transient renal dysfunction was common but reversible. No patient experienced death or graft loss.