Complete resolution of trichodysplasia spinulosa in a pediatric renal transplant patient: Case report and literature review

Pediatr Transplant. 2017 Mar;21(2). doi: 10.1111/petr.12849. Epub 2016 Dec 25.

Abstract

TS of immunosuppression is a rare, disfiguring dermatologic condition caused by TS-associated polyomavirus in immunosuppressed patients. It is difficult to treat, with no clearly described approach to resolve the condition completely and safely. We report a child with a renal transplant who developed TS and was treated with significant reduction in immunosuppression and transient use of cidofovir cream. The combined approach, primarily with significant long-term reduction in immunosuppression guided by monitoring BK viremia in our patient, led to complete resolution of TS without recurrence or graft rejection by 5 years after transplant. This outcome was superior to all other reports of TS in children after transplantation. Closely monitoring for BK viremia, as a surrogate marker of over-immunosuppression, can guide adjustment in immunosuppressant medication to treat polyomavirus disease without developing the complication of graft rejection in a patient at significant risk.

Keywords: child; immunosuppression; kidney; literature review; polyomavirus; transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • BK Virus / immunology
  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Polyomavirus Infections / complications
  • Polyomavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Renal Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / complications
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Virus Infections / complications
  • Tumor Virus Infections / therapy*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents