Systematic screening of BK virus by real-time PCR prevents BK virus associated nephropathy in renal transplant recipients.

BK virus associated nephropathy occurs in approximately 5% of renal transplant recipients. Quantitation of BKV DNA in serum/plasma early in the course of disease has been suggested to be an important diagnostic tool for polymavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN). The aim of this study was to develop a BKV real-time PCR (qPCR), which could be included in a diagnostic qPCR platform.

Inflammation-associated graft loss in renal transplant recipients.

Background: Although short-term graft survival has improved substantially in renal transplant recipients, long-term graft survival has not improved over the last decades. The lack of knowledge of specific causes and risk factors has hampered improvements in long-term allograft survival. There is an uncertainty if inflammation is associated with late graft loss.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in 385 patients on renal replacement therapy in Sweden.

Objective: To examine apolipoprotein (apo) E polymorphism and its possible link to kidney disease in all patients receiving renal replacement therapy in our region.

Material And Methods: The apo E genotype, plasma (P) lipids, blood pressure and albumin excretion rate were determined retrospectively in 385 patients.

Results: No differences in apo E genotype or the allelic frequencies of epsilon2, epsilon3 or epsilon4 were found between the patient group and a control group of 343 healthy individuals.