MedPath

Sapovirus – An emerging pathogen in kidney transplant recipients?

Conditions
Z94.0
Kidney transplant status
Registration Number
DRKS00033311
Lead Sponsor
Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Brief Summary

Purpose Diarrhea is a common disease but especially in immunocompromised patients it can lead to tremendous outcomes. After including sapovirus to the viral gastroenteritis screening routine of our institution`s laboratory, we noticed an increasing number of sapovirus diagnosis among kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, we assumed former GI-tract infections with unidentified pathogens could have been caused by sapovirus as well. In order to better understand the characteristics of a sapovirus infection in a high-risk group we initiated this study. Methods 13 kidney transplant recipients with gastrointestinal tract symptoms and later identified viral/unknown pathogens were included.. Kidney function, levels of immunosuppressants, CRP-levels and acid-base balance at admission and discharge, as well as onset of symptoms and time of hospitalization were analyzed. Results Sapovirus was detected in four patients as cause of diarrhea (Norovirus: 3, CMV: 1, IBD: 1, unknown: 4). Even though statistically not significant, creatinine levels at admission tended to be higher in sapovirus patients (p = 0,710, sapovirus: 3,3 mg/dl (1,3; 5,0), non-sapovirus: 2,5 mg/dl (1,1; 4,9)). Also, Tacrolimus levels at admission showed the same trend (sapovirus: 13,6 ng/ml (12,9; 13,6), non-sapovirus: 7,1 ng/ml (2,6; 22,6), p = 0,279). At dismission creatinine levels improved equally in both groups (sapovirus: 1,7 mg/dl (1,4; 3,2), non-sapovirus: 2 mg/dl (1,0; 3,6), p = 0,825). Conclusion Especially in high-risk patients early symptomatic treatment remains crucial to protect the transplant`s function. In our cohort all patients recovered equally well from the sapovirus infection as well as from other viral GI-tract pathogens. Larger cohorts and long-time follow-ups are needed in order to detect the long-term consequences and a potential need for further research regarding specific treatment.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
Complete
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
13
Inclusion Criteria

post-kidney transplantation, infection with sapovirus or other viral GI-tract virus or non identified pathogen

Exclusion Criteria

under 18 years, no kidney transplantation, bacterial pathogen

Study & Design

Study Type
observational
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Creatinine levels/kidney function after sapovirusinfection
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
levels of immunosuppressants, mortality
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath