2001 - Pneumonia in Renal Transplant Recipients
Dr Tai Kian Bun, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Background
Renal transplant recipients are immunocompromised due to their immunosuppressive therapies and underlying diseases. They are susceptible to chest infection by both conventional and opportunistic pathogens. Early and accurate diagnosis is the prerequisite to successful treatment and knowledge on the local incidence and pattern of pneumonia in renal transplant recipients is helpful.
Objective
The aim of this study is to find out the incidence and pattern of pneumonia contracted by renal transplant recipients in a local center in Hong Kong.
Methods
Records of all renal transplant recipients with follow-up in Prince of Wales Hospital from year 1989 to year 1999 were reviewed. All episodes of non-hospital acquired pneumonia were included in the study.
Results
A total of 213 renal transplant recipients were reviewed. Forty-one episodes of nonhospital acquired pneumonia were identified. Seven episodes were bacterial infection. Seven episodes were pulmonary tuberculosis. Seven episodes were mixed cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pneumocystis Carinii (PCP) infection. There were also four episodes of CMV pneumonia, are episodes of PCP pneumonia, one episode of influenza pneumonia and one episode of mixed CMV / PCP / fungal pneumonia. No pathogens could be identified in thirteen cases. Most cases of CMV and PCP infection occurred within one year after transplantation. No atypical mycobacterial infection was found.
Conclusion
Pneumonia is an important case of mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipients. Bacterial, CMV, PCP and mycobacterium tuberculosis are common responsible agents in Hong Kong.
