Significance of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the outcome of renal transplant patients with lymphoproliferative disorders.

BACKGROUND

The impact of EBV infection on the incidence of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) is well established, but scant data exists on the significance of such an infection on organ transplant recipients who develop lymphoproliferative disorders. In the present study, we investigated the epidemiology of EBV infection in renal transplant recipients developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and its potential impact on these patients.

MATERIAL/METHODS: International data from 5 different studies were included in the analysis. Complete remission (CR) was defined as no evidence of disease by different diagnostic methods. Partial remission was defined as a substantial decrease in measurable known lesions without the appearance of new ones.

RESULTS

Overall 45 PTLD patients were included into analysis. Remission rate was significantly higher in EBV negative patients (p=0.010). Patients with EBV infection had significantly lower patient survival rate (p=0.06). Incidence of early onset PTLDs was significantly related to EBV infection (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates EBV infection is a major complication in post-transplant lymphoproliferative patients. Physicians should more intensively follow their EBV-infected transplant patients who have lymphoproliferative disorders.