Kidney transplant survival in the shadow of dengue fever: A case series with favorable outcomes

Dengue fever has seen a concerning rise globally, with a particularly sharp increase in cases across the Middle East. Despite the growing prevalence, there remains a significant gap in understanding the renal implications of dengue fever in renal transplant recipients. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the renal impact of dengue in this vulnerable population. We conducted a retrospective case series involving adult renal transplant recipients diagnosed with dengue fever at Dubai Hospital, UAE, in 2024. The study included 5 patients with a median age of 37 years, 60% of whom were male. Clinical data, including renal function and disease progression, were carefully analyzed during their hospital stay. Among the five patients, two developed dengue fever with warning signs as defined by the World Health Organization severity criteria. Notably, 60% of patients exhibited acute transient allograft dysfunction, as classified by the KDIGO acute kidney injury guidelines. However, despite these challenges, all patients showed complete recovery of their renal function, with serum creatinine levels returning to baseline by the time of discharge. Our findings demonstrate that dengue fever, while concerning renal transplant recipients, generally leads to a favorable outcome, and results were comparable to dengue fever patients in the general population. Early diagnosis, prompt supportive care, and close monitoring in the initial stages of infection are essential in mitigating the risk of progression to severe dengue and ensuring a positive clinical outcome.