Renal transplantation in patients with HIV

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Abstract
The presence of HIV has historically been viewed as a contraindication to transplantation because of the risks associated with immunosuppression in patients who are already immunocompromised, the lack of long-term outcomes data to justify the use of a limited supply of donor organs, and the possibility of viral transmission to surgical staff. Frassetto and colleagues examine the issues surrounding kidney transplantation in patients with HIV and describe a range of strategies that optimize outcomes in these individuals. HIV infection has been a major global health problem for almost three decades. With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in 1996, and the advent of effective prophylaxis and management of opportunistic infections, AIDS mortality has decreased markedly. In developed countries, this once fatal infection is now being treated as a chronic condition. As a result, rates of morbidity and mortality from other medical conditions leading to end-stage liver, kidney and heart disease are steadily increasing in individuals with HIV. Presence of HIV infection used to be viewed as a contraindication to transplantation for multiple reasons: concerns for exacerbation of an already immunocompromised state by administration of additional immunosuppressants; the use of a limited supply of donor organs with unknown long-term outcomes; and, the risk of viral transmission to the surgical and medical staff. This Review examines open questions on kidney transplantation in patients infected with HIV-1 and clinical strategies that have resulted in good outcomes. It also describes the clinical concerns associated with the treatment of renal transplant recipients with HIV.