Infectious Complications in Pediatric Renal Transplant Patients

Abstract

Background: Infections in children with renal transplantation often lead to fatal complications. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of infection after renal transplantation, as well as its impact on graft function. Methods : The study included 105 children, in two groups based on the presence of infection within the first 2 years after renal transplantation. Results: In total, 137 infection episodes were found in 62 (59%) patients. The number of episodes was 20, 5 and 54 that developed in months 6, 12 and 24 after transplantation, respectively. There were 72 urinary tract infection episodes. Among patients with pulmonary infections (16.7%), two had H1N1, one of whom experienced graft loss and died of sepsis. The aspergillus infection episodes were lethal. Infection with BK virus was detected in four patients, all of whom were asymptomatic, except with decline in glomerular filtration rate. Seventeen patients developed 25 episodes of cytomegalovirus infection. Conclusions: This study established the incidence of infections and risk factors in the first 2 years after transplantation at a single center. Long-term follow-up periods and prospective studies confirming specific risk factors, preventive measures and impact on graft survival are necessary. World J Nephrol Urol. 2014;3(2):92-99 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjnu159w