Regional differences in the management and outcome of kidney transplantation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A 3-year retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

In the developed world, kidney transplantation (KT) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is well established. Developing countries concentrate 90% of the people living with HIV, but their experience is underreported. Regional differences may affect outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

We compared the 3-year outcomes of patients with HIV infection receiving a KT in two different countries, in terms of incomes and development.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective, double-center study, including all HIV-infected patients >18 years old undergoing KT.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2015, 54 KTs were performed (39 in a Brazilian center, and 15 in a Spanish center). Brazilians had less hepatitis C virus co-infection (5% vs 27%, P=.024). Median cold ischemia time was higher in Brazil (25 vs 18 hours, P=.001). Biopsy-proven acute rejection (AR) was higher in Brazil (33% vs 13%, P=.187), as were the number of AR episodes (22 vs 4, P=.063). Patient survival at 3 years was 91.3% in Brazil and 100% in Spain; P=.663. All three cases of death in Brazil were a result of bacterial infections within the first year post transplant. At 3 years, survival free from immunosuppressive changes was lower in Brazil (56% vs 90.9%, P=.036). Raltegravir-based treatment to avoid interaction with calcineurin inhibitor was more prevalent in Spain (80% vs 3%; P<.001). HIV infection remained under control in all patients, with undetectable viral load and no opportunistic infections.

CONCLUSION

Important regional differences exist in the demographics and management of immunosuppression and antiretroviral therapy. These details may influence AR and infectious complications. Non-AIDS infections leading to early mortality in Brazil deserve special attention.