Effective treatment of severe BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis with leflunomide in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a pilot study

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2014 Nov;33(11):1193-5. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000407.

Abstract

Leflunomide, an immunosuppressant with antiviral activity, was used to treat 5 children with severe BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Without severe side effects, BK viral loads in blood and urine decreased significantly after leflunomide treatment. Compared with 7 historical controls, duration of BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis was significantly shorter in patients receiving leflunomide therapy (P < 0.01).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • BK Virus*
  • Child
  • Cystitis / drug therapy*
  • Cystitis / virology
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Hematuria / drug therapy*
  • Hematuria / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Isoxazoles / adverse effects
  • Isoxazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Leflunomide
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Polyomavirus Infections*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tumor Virus Infections*
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Isoxazoles
  • Leflunomide