Dengue virus infection among renal transplant recipients in Singapore: a 15-year, single-centre retrospective review.

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection endemic in Singapore. Its impact on renal transplantation is limited to small case series. We aimed to characterise the clinical presentation and outcomes of dengue infection among renal transplant recipients in Singapore.

Methods: We conducted a 15-year retrospective review of dengue in renal transplant patients treated at Singapore General Hospital between January 2005 and October 2019. The diagnosis of dengue was made if there were a compatible clinical syndrome and a positive dengue diagnostic assay (dengue non-structural 1 antigen, immunoglobulin M or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction).

Results: Of the 31 patients diagnosed with dengue, 18 (58.1%) were deceased donor recipients. The median age was 52 (interquartile range [IQR] 40-61) years; 16 (51.6%) were females. The median time to diagnosis was 99 (IQR 18-169) months from transplant. The most common clinical symptoms were fever (87.1%), myalgia (41.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (38.7%) and headache (25.8%). Nineteen (61.3%) patients had dengue without warning signs, nine (29.0%) had dengue with warning signs, three (9.7%) had severe dengue and 30 (96.8%) were hospitalised. Seventeen (54.8%) patients had graft dysfunction, 16 (94.1%) of whom had recovery of graft function. One (3.2%) patient required dialysis and subsequently died. There were two cases of donor-derived infections (DDIs) with favourable outcomes.

Conclusion: Our experience with dengue in renal transplant recipients is concordant with published data. Although graft dysfunction is common, it is often transient with favourable outcomes. Outpatient management may be considered for mild infections. Although dengue DDIs are uncommon, more stringent donor screening may be considered in endemic regions.