Abstract: SA-PO1000
Burden of BK Virus Infection and BK Virus-Associated Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Scoping Review Reveals Gaps in Patient-Centered Research
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - 4
October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Kuharic, Maja, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Hurt, Courtney N., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Fowler, Kevin John, Memo Therapeutics Consultant, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Bastian, Alexander W., Memo Therapeutics Consultant, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Beck, Juergen, Memo Therapeutics, Schlieren, Switzerland
- van den Berg, Erik J., Memo Therapeutics, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Peipert, John D., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background
BK virus (BKV) infection and BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN) are significant complications affecting kidney transplant recipients, leading to impaired graft function and increased risk of graft loss. This scoping literature review aimed to synthesize the current evidence of the burden of BKV infection and BKVN in kidney transplant recipients.
Methods
A scoping literature search focused on patient-centered research in BKV among kidney transplant recipients was conducted in PubMed and Embase databases from inception to January 2024. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) included kidney transplant recipients with BK virus infection; (2) reported on clinical, economic, or humanistic burden of BK virus; (3) were published in English; and (4) were original research articles, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses.
Results
Sixty-three studies were included in the review, with most (47%) published within the last five years. No studies examined impacts on quality of life, mental health, and daily functioning. Similarly, no studies reported on economic impact on patients and their families, such as the ability to continue working, opportunity costs of receiving treatment, time off work, and fear of losing jobs. Viruria and viremia were detected in approximately 30% and 12% of kidney transplant recipients, respectively. The incidence of BKVN ranged from 1.4% to 7%. Risk factors for BK virus infection and BKVN included degree of immunosuppression, tacrolimus use, older age, male sex, and donor/recipient ethnic mismatch among others. Graft loss (35% vs. 21%), rejection (42% vs. 25%), and death (18% vs. 13%) were more common in the BKVN group compared to those without BKVN.
Conclusion
This review provides insights into the incidence and risk factors of BK virus infection and BKVN in kidney transplant recipients. However, it also highlights gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the humanistic burden on patients' quality of life, mental health, daily functioning and the economic impact on patients and their families. Future research should prioritize patient-reported outcomes and qualitative studies to better understand the full burden of BK virus infection and BKVN on kidney transplant recipients.