Association of BK and CMV positivity with magnesium levels in renal transplant recipients

Introduction and purpose: Hypomagnesemia, BK polyomavirus (BKV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are important post-transplant complications in renal transplant recipients. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Mg levels and BKV and CMV positivity. Materials and methods: The study included 527 patients (359 males, 168 females) older than 18 years of age who had undergone renal transplantation at Inönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center between January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2023 or who had received renal transplantation in foreign centers between these dates and were followed up in the nephrology outpatient clinic for at least three months as renal transplant recipients. Patient data were analyzed using patient files and ENLIL computer automation system. Results: Of the 527 patients included in the study, 359 (68.1%) were male and 168 (32.9%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 45.4 +12.1 (22-83) years. Hypomagnesemia was observed in 306 patients (58%). Although there was an increase in the percentage of BKV PCR positive patients in those with hypomagnesemia, there was no statistically significant relationship between hypomagnesemia and BKV PCR positivity (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between hypomagnesemia and CMV PCR positivity (p>0.05). When the relationship between Mg supplementation and hypomagnesemia in BKV and CMV PCR negativity was analyzed, no statistically significant relationship was found (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although no significant correlation was found between BKV and CMV PCR positivity and hypomagnesemia in renal transplant recipients, the fact that BKV infection is more common in patients with hypomagnesemia suggests that Mg level should be taken into consideration to prevent infection in renal transplant patients. Key Words: Renal transplant, hypomagnesemia, BKV CMV PCR