Transplantation Journal Interview - BK Virus Guidelines
Check the podcast! Stefan Tullius, the incoming Editor-in-Chief of Transplantation Journals, interviews two esteemed experts about the recent publication of the 2nd International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation. Camille Kotton, the Clinical Director of Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Hans Hirsch, the research group leader of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at University Hospital Basel, join the discussion. They explore the latest recommendations, risk factors, and screening strategies to address this significant challenge in kidney transplantation.
The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation
The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children).
Special Acknowledgement
On behalf of all of members and the entire transplantation community we would express our gratitude to The Transplantation Society International BK Polyomavirus Consensus Group for developing "The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation" which is published in the May issue of the Transplantation journal.
These consensus guidelines offer comprehensive recommendations for managing BK Polyomavirus infections, a significant risk factor for graft dysfunction and loss in kidney transplant recipients. These guidelines provide updated insights and practical approaches to diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment strategies, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and graft survival rates. This publication serves as a crucial resource for clinicians and healthcare providers involved in the care of kidney transplant patients. The paper was authored by Camille N. Kotton, Nassim Kamar, David Wojciechowski, Michael Eder, Helmut Hopfer, Parmjeet Randhawa, Martina Sester, Patrizia Comoli, Helio Tedesco Silva, Greg Knoll, Daniel C. Brennan, Jennifer Trofe-Clark, Lars Pape, David Axelrod, Bryce Kiberd, Germaine Wong, and Hans H. Hirsch on behalf of The Transplantation Society International BK Polyomavirus Consensus Group.
Camille N. Kotton, USA
Hans H. Hirsch, Switzerland
A special thanks goes out to Camille Kotton and Hans Hirsch for leading the project on behalf of TTS.
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