Evaluation of the prevalence of infections in cats after renal transplantation: 169 cases (1987-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of infections developing postoperatively, document the contribution of infection to increased risk of death, and identify risk factors associated with the development of infectious complications in cats after renal transplantation.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
169 cats that received renal allograft transplants.


METHODS
Medical records of cats receiving renal transplants at the University of California from January 1987 through December 2003 were reviewed.


RESULTS
47 infections developed in 43 of 169 cats. Bacterial infections were most common (25/47 cats), followed by viral (13/47), fungal (6/47), and protozoal (3/47) infections. The median duration from transplant surgery to development of infection was 2.5 months. Infection was the second most common cause of death after acute rejection of the transplant, accounting for 14% of deaths overall. Cats with concurrent diabetes mellitus had a significantly increased risk of developing an infection after renal transplantation. Sex, increasing age, concurrent neoplasia, and previous treatment for transplant rejection were not associated with development of infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Infection was a common complication and an important cause of death or euthanasia in cats after renal transplantation. Development of diabetes mellitus after transplantation significantly increased the risk of infection.
Kadar
Elissa
E
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Sykes
Jane E
JE
Kass
Philip H
PH
Bernsteen
Lynda
L
Gregory
Clare R
CR
Kyles
Andrew E
AE
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D002415:Cats; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000662:veterinary; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary