BK polyomavirus DNAemia, allograft rejection, and de novo donor-specific antibodies after lowering target tacrolimus levels in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Hou-Xuan HuangYijin XiangRoshan P GeorgePamela WinterbergAnastacia SerlucoRochelle LivermanInci B YildirimRouba GarroPublished in: Pediatric transplantation (2024)
Targeting lower tacrolimus levels did not decrease the incidence of BKV DNAemia within 100 days or 18 months post-KT, nor did it increase the risk of biopsy-proven rejection among pediatric KT recipients in our center. However, there was a trend toward earlier development of dnDSA, which may portend worse long-term graft outcome post-KT. Our findings highlight the need for individualized immunosuppressive regimens based on immunologic and infectious risk factors and the importance of implementing innovative biomarkers to guide therapy and improve outcomes.