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Nephrology & Renal Medicine

BK Polyomavirus Nephropathy (BKVN)

ICD-10 Code
B19.10

Opportunistic viral infection of the renal allograft resulting from reactivation of latent BK virus under intense immunosuppression. Diagnosed by high-grade BK viremia, decoy cells in urine sediment, and biopsy revealing cytopathic changes, viral nuclear inclusions, and positive SV40 immunohistochemical staining.

Clinical Presentation & Protocol

Patient Usually Complains Of

Patient is a renal transplant recipient presenting with a rising serum creatinine and/or persistent BK viremia. Current immunosuppression regimen reviewed. No symptoms of graft tenderness or systemic viral syndrome. Recent labs demonstrate [insert BK PCR viral load] copies/mL. Urine cytology positive for decoy cells.

Clinical Examination Findings

Patient is hemodynamically stable, afebrile. Renal allograft palpated in the [right/left] iliac fossa; no focal tenderness, no palpable mass, no overlying erythema. No peripheral edema noted. Surgical incision site well-healed without signs of infection.

Treatment Protocol

Plan: 1. Reduction of immunosuppression (calcineurin inhibitor dose reduction/withdrawal of antimetabolite). 2. Initiation of adjuvant therapy (e.g., IVIG, Leflunomide, or Cidofovir) as indicated by viral load kinetics. 3. Serial monitoring of BK PCR and serum creatinine weekly. 4. Maintain adequate hydration.

Detailed clinical guide coming soon.