De novo collapsing glomerulopathy in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient with COVID-19 infection

The negative impact of COVID-19 on adults with underlying chronic kidney disease, including kidney transplant recipients, has been well documented. Children have a less severe presentation and better prognosis compared to adults. However, little is known regarding the spectrum of COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents with underlying autoimmune disorders necessitating solid organ transplant and long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Case Report. An adolescent male developed end-stage kidney disease secondary to microscopic polyangiitis requiring a living-donor kidney transplant. Six years later, he developed antibody-mediated rejection of his kidney transplant. During his rejection treatment course, he contracted SARS-CoV-2 and developed new-onset nephrotic syndrome with severe acute kidney injury. Kidney transplant biopsy revealed de novo collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis on a background of chronic active antibody mediated rejection. Immunostaining for SARS-CoV-2 on the biopsy specimen demonstrated positive staining of the proximal tubular epithelium consistent with intra-renal viral infection. Pulse corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and temporary reduction of anti-metabolite therapy resulted in successful recovery with return of graft function back to pre-infection baseline. This case highlights the clinical conundrum of treating kidney transplant recipients with active rejection in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatric kidney transplant recipients can develop severe COVID-19-related kidney complications. Judicious immunosuppression modulation is necessary to balance infection and rejection risk.

Automated summary

The impact of COVID-19 on adults with underlying chronic kidney disease and children is different, but its effect on children and adolescents with underlying autoimmune disorders requiring solid organ transplant and long-term immunosuppressive therapy is still unclear. A case report of an adolescent male with end-stage kidney disease who developed antibody-mediated rejection of a kidney transplant and COVID-19 infection, resulting in severe kidney complications, highlights the challenges of treating pediatric kidney transplant recipients during the pandemic. Judicious modulation of immunosuppression is crucial to balance infection and rejection risks.