Prolonged Immunosuppressive Therapy Research Articles

A burning heart: combined therapy of checkpoint-inhibitors and prednisolone in a patient with sarcoidosis

Patients with prior autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis require special care when treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), given the risk for reactivation of inflammation. Here, we address the clinical dilemma of initiating CPIs for recurrent metastatic carcinoma in a patient with extensive sarcoidosis, controlled after prolonged immunosuppressive therapy when the tumor recurrence was detected. To achieve the best possible outcome, the case was discussed by an interdisciplinary team comprising specialists in rheumatology, oncology, and CPI-related myocarditis. Literature on this topic was very limited. Based on the pharmacodynamics of CPIs and the pathophysiology of CPI-related autoimmune diseases, we concluded that initiating CPIs alongside low-dose prednisolone would effectively suppress any reactivation of sarcoidosis without interfering with CPIs in a relevant way.

The Evaluation and Management of Coronary Artery Disease in the Lung Transplant Patient.

Lung transplantation can greatly improve quality of life and extend survival in those with end-stage lung disease. In order to derive the maximal benefit from such a procedure, patients must be carefully selected and be otherwise healthy enough to survive a high-risk surgery and sometimes prolonged immunosuppressive therapy following surgery. Patients therefore must be critically assessed prior to being listed for transplantation with close attention paid towards assessment of cardiovascular health and operative risk. One of the biggest dictators of this is coronary artery disease. In this review article, we discuss the assessment and management of coronary artery disease in the potential lung transplant candidate.

Long-term efficacy of tailored prolonged immunosuppressive therapy in biopsy-proven virus- negative myocarditis: a single center propensity weighted study

Abstract Background The efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (IT) in biopsy-proven (BP) myocarditis was proved by small trials in lymphocytic myocarditis with heart failure (HF) presentation. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of IT in a single center cohort of BP myocarditis patients, irrespective of histological type and clinical presentation. Methods Consecutive BP myocarditis patients were included and, in the absence of contraindications, were treated with IT according to current guidelines on top of standard care. IT patients were compared with a propensity score-weighted control group of non-IT patients, considering age, gender, ejection fraction (EF), NYHA class and histological type (Fig. 1A). The primary outcome was a composite of death or heart transplant (HTx), and the secondary outcome a composite of variation of biventricular function, NYHA class and myocarditis relapse. Results 87 IT patients were compared with 265 without IT. IT patients were older (44 vs 39 years, p=0.035), and more frequently had a systemic immune-mediated disease (34% vs 10%, p<0.001), and HF (59% vs 46%, p=0.048) or fulminant presentation (9% vs 2 %, p=0.002). IT patients had lower baseline left ventricular (LV) EF both on echocardiography (35±15% vs 43±15%, p=0.001) and cardiac magnetic resonance (26±16 % vs 45.5±15 %, p=0.0013), lower right ventricular (RV) fractional area change (FAC: 34±11 % vs 41±11 %, p<0.001) and higher frequency of lymphocytic, eosinophilic and giant cell myocarditis (71% vs 58%, 11% vs 1 %, and 7% vs 2%, p<0.001 respectively) compared to non IT patients. IT was indicated because of unremitting HF (62%) and recurrent chest pain (14%), and mainly involved prednisone (PDN) and azathioprine as first-line (61%) and PDN and mycophenolate mofetil as second-line therapy (62%). IT lasted on average 24 months. No difference was observed in the primary outcome between the two groups (5 years survival 88% in IT vs 91% in non-IT patients, p=0.8, Fig. 1B), while relapse incidence was higher in IT patients (p<0.001, Fig.2B). At long-term follow up (54 months, IQR 21.4-96.45), LVEF and RV FAC were within the normal range in both groups, and propensity score weighting analysis showed that IT patients presented LVEF values of only 3% lower than non-IT (p=0.013, Fig. 2). In addition, IT patients had a similar probability of presenting the same NYHA class as non-IT patients at last follow up (p=0.46). Conclusions Our study shows for the first time the efficacy of prolonged tailored IT in BP lymphocytic and non lymphocytic autoimmune myocarditis, with or without HF and with or without RV dysfunction. IT patients, despite having lower biventricular function and a higher risk profile at baseline as well as a higher frequency of relapses, at long-term follow up showed normalized biventricular function and a similar survival compared to their propensity-score weighted controls. Thus, autoimmune myocarditis responds to IT, even when the disease relapses.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Descent into Mania: A Case of Tacrolimus-Induced Psychosis

Background: Tacrolimus has historically been used as an effective immunosuppressant in solid organ transplants. Although it is standard care in most organ transplants, it is accompanied by a vast number of side effects, including headache, fatigue, and even psychosis. The neurotoxic side effects that accompany tacrolimus are usually apparent at supratherapeutic doses and resolve after dose adjustment or discontinuation. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 68-year-old male who sustained tacrolimus-induced mania post- transplant, refractory to both medication tapering and removal. He ultimately required the use of prolonged antipsychotic therapy. Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity for thorough psychiatric evaluations in patients undergoing organ transplantation as well as the continued need for further research and interventions in patients undergoing prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. This report may signify a novel mechanism of dose-independent neurotoxicity secondary to tacrolimus.

Invasive fungal infection in ANCA-associated vasculitis: Between the Devil and Deep blue sea. Case series and review of the literature.

Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) are susceptible to opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections (IFI). This is due to many factors, including prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. The treatment of AAV with such IFIs is challenging. A descriptive analysis of 5 patients with AAV complicated by concomitant invasive fungal infections was performed. We also have done a comprehensive literature review of IFIs in AAV using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. All 5 patients initially received immunosuppressive medication but subsequently acquired IFI. One patient had sphenoid sinus involvement, and four had lung parenchymal involvement. Aspergillus infection was diagnosed in three patients, Cryptococcus infection in one patient and mixed infection with Aspergillus and Mucor infection in one patient. All our patients were on low doses of corticosteroids for several months to years or had received high-dose pulse steroids with cyclophosphamide in the last few weeks before being diagnosed with IFI. It was difficult to distinguish disease activity from IFI in all the cases. Two of the five patients died despite antifungal therapy. The literature review revealed a prevalence of IFIs ranging from 1 to 9.6% (excluding pneumocystis pneumonia). Aspergillosis was the predominant type of IFI, affecting 46 of 86 patients. Most of these patients (40/46) had pulmonary involvement. The prognosis for patients with IFI was consistently poor, as evidenced by 19 deaths out of 29 reported outcomes. Overall, IFIs have a poor prognosis in patients with AAV. Differentiating disease activity from IFI is difficult because of similar organ distribution, imaging lesions, and histopathological characteristics. A high suspicion index and good-quality microbiology are needed for early treatment and prevention of mortality.

Generalized edema as presenting feature of anti-NXP2 positive Juvenile dermatomyositis: A case report and review of literature

Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare childhood inflammatory disease. Clinical manifestations include muscle weakness and skin rashes. However, generalized edema is uncommon in JDM. Treatment is based on prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. Only few case reports of edematous JDM has been described. Here we aim to describe a case of edematous JDM with review of literature.

Generalized actinomycosis of the pelvic organs. Clinical case

Here, a clinical case of generalized actinomycosis of the pelvic organs occuring very rarely usually observed in immunocompromised patients is presented. Patient T. referred to the women's clinic with complaints of prolonged genital discharge, itching, burning, and occasional sub-fever. The patient had a history of prolonged hormonal immunosuppressive therapy. After a thorough examination, the patient was consulted by two oncologists. Preliminary diagnosis: suspicio cancer coli; suspicio cancer vaginae. In order to clarify the diagnosis, an in-hospital multifocal scalpel biopsy was performed. The biological material obtained was sent out for intravital pathological and anatomical examination; no signs of malignancy were found. To prevent complications during surgery, the patient underwent separate diagnostic scraping of the uterine cavity and cervical canal after repeated sanitation of the vagina and additional patient examination; hysteroscopy; vulval biopsy; colpocentesis. The final diagnosis was made after obtaining the results of in-surgery microbial culture on nutrient media. Active growth of actinomycetes was detected in the material obtained. The final clinical diagnosis was pelvic actinomycosis, generalized form. Patient T was discharged in satisfactory condition after antibacterial treatment according to the diagnosis for further under gynecologist observation at the women's clinic.

Performance of high-frequency ultrasound in the evaluation of skin involvement in cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease: A preliminary report

To the Editor: Cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is the most frequent manifestation of cGVHD, developing a few months/years after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Cutaneous cGVHD can be clinically classified as sclerotic or nonsclerotic. Sclerotic manifestations are commonly observed during the late phase of cGVHD, inducing significant morbidity, functional impairment, and prolonged immunosuppressive therapy.1 An objective, noninvasive, and early detection of skin sclerodermatous changes is essential for preventing the irreversible sequela and for monitoring treatment response.

Predictors and outcomes of flares in chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) requires prolonged immunosuppressive therapy (IST), often requiring slow tapering with patients experiencing cGVHD flares and treatment failure. In 145 adult recipients developing cGVHD after matched sibling or umbilical cord blood donor HCT from 2010 to 2018, 2-year cumulative incidence of flares after cGVHD diagnosis was estimated at 60% (95% CI, 51-70%), with median time-to-first flare of 188 days (range, 16-751). Of 88 patients experiencing a flare, 32 (36%) had multiple flares (range, 2-4). First flare treatment consisted of an increase in prednisone dose in 77 patients (88%), plus topical therapy in 8 (9%) or another systemic IST in 43 patients (49%). Higher flare risk was associated with quiescent type of cGVHD at onset (HR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7; p = 0.04). Patients without a flare required a shorter duration of IST and were more likely to achieve a durable discontinuation of systemic IST (86% vs. 31% for ≥6 consecutive months). Flares were associated with protective effect on relapse (HR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.3), however not with worsened 2-year NRM or OS. Flares of cGVHD identify a group needing better approaches to limit the duration of IST and thus the morbidity of cGVHD.

The use of tacrolimus in the management of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy-induced hepatitis.

Immune-mediated hepatitis is recognised as a frequently occurring complication with the use of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy drugs. The mainstay of treatment involves the use of immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids. Mycophenolate mofetil is added when steroid resistant. However, there are limited data to guide further management when the hepatitis remains refractory to these therapies. We present two patients who developed severe immunotherapy-induced hepatitis and required prolonged immunosuppressive therapy with three agents in combination before resolution was achieved. We demonstrate that the addition of tacrolimus can be successful when other drugs fail. We also illustrate how a subsequent wean off immunosuppression can be safely performed and highlight the use of concordant antimicrobial prophylaxis to mitigate against opportunistic infections.

Oral Kaposi sarcoma following cord blood transplantation.

A 50-year-old man developed acute myeloid leukemia while receiving antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Following three courses of chemotherapy, he received cord blood transplantation (CBT) in the first complete remission. The patient developed mild skin acute graft-versus-host disease after CBT. In addition, he developed organizing pneumonia 1 month after CBT, which responded to steroid therapy, but repeatedly relapsed during steroid tapering. Thus, he had been receiving prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. Thirteen months after CBT, bluish-red elevated lesions developed on the hard palate of the oral cavity (Figure 1A). Biopsy samples obtained from the palate lesions confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). His HIV viral load was undetectable, and there were no signs of leukemia relapse. To improve the immunosuppression status, immunosuppressive therapy was attenuated. This led to the increase in CD4+ count from 0.26 × 109/L to 0.68 × 109/L and regression of the KS (Figure 1B, 18 months after CBT). However, the patient succumbed to heart and kidney failure 18 months after CBT. Despite its rarity, KS should be considered as a differential diagnosis when hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients develop bluish-red or purple lesions. The authors declare no conflict of interest. N.I., M.A., A.I., M.M, H.N., and H.I. were involved in the management of the patient. N.I., H.N., and H.I. wrote the manuscript. N.I., M.A., and A.I. prepared the figure. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Two Individuals with Rare Blocked Antigen Phenomenon and Coinciding Warm Autoantibody Mimicking Alloanti-Jk3 Resolved with JK Analysis

Abstract Introduction/Objective Kidd antigens can bind complement (C3) as well as Kidd specific warm autoantibodies (WAAb). An 838G>A single nucleotide variant (SNV) defines JK*01 and JK*02 which codes the antithetical Jka and Jk b, respectively. Both alleles translate the high prevalence (>99%) Jk3 (JK3). The 130G>A is associated with weak Jka and weak Jkb expression. In vivo binding of non-agglutinating globulins can cause false-negative phenotypes by means of the blocked antigen phenomenon (BAP). Methods/Case Report Transfusions were requested for a 74-year-old Caucasian (CA) female with Evan’s Syndrome, and an 85-year-old African American (AA) female with metastatic uterine cancer. Both had a history of nonspecific WAAb. Direct antiglobulin testing (DAT) detected moderate in vivo sensitization of IgG and C3. They phenotyped Jk(a- b-) with untreated and EDTA glycine-acid (EGA) treated IgG DAT-negative cells. Their serum contained anti-Jk3 reactivity, while a panreactive WAAb in the eluate reacted with Jk3- donor and EGA treated DAT-negative autologous cells. Weak anti-Jka and anti-Jkb reactivity remained in the alloadsorbed serum of the antithetical adsorbing cells. Genetic testing of the CA revealed JK*01W.01(130A)/02 alleles, while cDNA confirmed the alleles would be transcribed into mRNA. Sequencing of the AA detected 130G/A, and 838G/A as well as other silent mutations predicting either a Jk(a+wb+) or Jk(a+b+w) phenotype. The CA received one compatible JK:-3 transfusion, and both individuals benefited from multiple least incompatible transfusions of Jk a+ and/or Jk b+ donors with expected hemoglobin increases (1 g/dL per transfusion). The CA serologically phenotyped Jk(a-b+) 132 days later following prolonged immunosuppressive therapy while a normocytic normochromic anemia and the WAAb persisted. No follow up evaluations of the AA are available. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Unexpected BAP can confound immunohematology testing and lead WAAbs mimicking alloanti-Jk3 to be mischaracterized as allogeneic. By predicting phenotypes, genetic analysis can aid serological techniques in antibody characterization and help circumvent complications searching for rare JK:-3 donors.

Foremost Concepts in Mechanisms of De Novo Post-Liver Transplantation Malignancy

In liver transplant patients, solid tumors and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) have emerged as significant long-term mortality causes. Additionally, it is assumed that de novo malignancy (DNM) after liver transplantation (LT) is the second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular complications. Well-established risk factors for PTLD and solid tumors are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), tacrolimus (TAC), and cyclosporine, the cornerstones of all immunosuppressive (IS) therapies used after LT. The loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy leads to cancer development, including in LT patients. Hindering DNA repair mechanisms, promoting tumor cell invasiveness, and hampering apoptosis are critical events in tumorigenesis and tumor growth in LT patients resulting from IS administration. This paper aims to overview the refined mechanisms of IS-induced tumorigenesis after LT and the loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy. In addition, we also discuss in detail the mechanisms of action in different types of IS regimen used after LT, and their putative effect on DNM.

AB0411 CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MCTD COHORT IN A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTRE

Background:As a rare, complex, and heterogeneous disease, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) represents a challenge for clinical practice.Objectives:We aimed to unravel potential pitfalls including correct referral diagnosis, fulfilment of diagnostic criteria, distinction from other CTDs, disease course and activity, and treatment modalities.Methods:We analysed the prospectively collected MCTD cohort at our tertiary referral centre. The patients’ medical histories were investigated for fulfilment of Sharp’s (1), Kasukawa’s (2), and Alarcón-Segovia’s (3) diagnostic MCTD criteria. We defined overlap syndromes as simultaneous fulfilment of clinical as well as immunological criteria of two defined rheumatic diseases. Disease conversion was defined as emergence of new symptoms and autoantibodies consistent with another rheumatic disease. Remission was defined by simultaneous systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) of 0 and European League Against Rheumatism scleroderma trial and research (EUSTAR) activity index <2.5. Disease phenotype and disease activity were monitored over time and all patients were evaluated for fulfilment of classification criteria of various connective tissue diseases.Results:Out of 85 patients initially referred as MCTD, only one third fulfilled the diagnostic MCTD criteria. Most of the remaining patients had undifferentiated CTD (29%) or overlap syndromes (20%). In our final cohort of 33 MCTD patients, 6 (48%) also met the classification criteria of systemic sclerosis, 13 (39%) those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 6 (18%) those of rheumatoid arthritis, and 3 (9%) those of primary myositis. Over the median observation period of 4.6 (1.6, 9.9) years, only two patients (6%) underwent disease conversion from MCTD to SLE and no patient converted towards other diseases. The number of patients in remission increased from 6 (18%) to 15 (45%) due to introduction of immune modulatory treatment. Combination therapy was favoured in most cases (17 patients, 52%), whereas monotherapy was less frequent (12 patients, 36%), and only 4 (12%) patients remained without immune modulators until the end of the follow-up period. Hydroxychloroquine, prednisone, and methotrexate were the most frequently used medications in our cohort.Conclusion:Our study showed a high risk for misdiagnosis for patients with MCTD. Phenotype conversion was a very rare event. As a multi-organ disease, MCTD required prolonged (combined) immunosuppressive therapy to achieve remission. The establishment of an international registry with longitudinal data from observational multi-centre cohorts might represent a first step to address the many unmet needs of MCTD.

Interaction of tacrolimus through hedgehog signaling pathway: An in vitro evaluation using rat hepatocytes.

Tacrolimus (TAC) is the drug of choice in immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation; however, adverse effects are still a major concern. The current study aims to decipher the short-term exposure of TAC on rat hepatocytes in relation to activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Time dependent study was conducted using primary rat hepatocytes treated with TAC (36 µM) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Western blot analysis was performed using cell lysate in order to analyze the regulation of HH pathway proteins including HHIP, SMO, PTCH, IHH, SHH, and GLI transcription factors. The study revealed change in protein expression of HH signaling molecules with activation of HH pathway, due to downregulation of HHIP, and enrichment of HH ligands with activation of SMO and GLI transcription factors. It is therefore, concluded that short term TAC exposure leads to upregulation of HH pathway in liver, which may initially act to repair the liver damage but can worsen the condition in case of prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. This insight could lead to understand association of off target effects of immunosuppressive drugs and occurrence of other liver diseases in transplant patients when it comes to long term immunosuppressive therapy. These findings also illuminate a novel direction that use of HH inhibitor might provide a therapeutic strategy for immune suppression related liver disorders.

M017 SEVERE PROTRACTED ALLOPURINOL-INDUCED DRESS/DIHS REQUIRING LONG-TERM, HIGH-DOSE IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

Allopurinol-related drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DiHS), may portend significant morbidity and mortality. Presence of HLA-B*58:01 and renal insufficiency are risk factors for allopurinol-induced DRESS/DiHS. Severe cases may require prolonged immunosuppressive therapy.

Systemic immunosuppression in times of COVID-19: Do we need to rethink our standards?

SummaryThe current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic particularly endangers older people with pre‐existing cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions. However, it is also currently under discussion whether patients under immunosuppressive therapy also have a higher risk of suffering a severe course of the COVID‐19 disease. In principle though, there is currently no data available for a general reduction or pause of immunosuppression in patients with autoimmune diseases because of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. However, since there is currently neither an effective therapy nor corresponding vaccination protection, the indication for a prolonged immunosuppressive therapy should be made with special care. In particular, immunotherapeutic agents that produce long‐term effects (e.g., rituximab) should be used with special caution. In contrast, immunomodulating substances that do not suppress antiviral immunity (e.g. systemic immunoglobulins, doxycycline), or that have intrinsic effects on SARS‐CoV‐2 (calcineurin inhibitors, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) may be useful alternatives.

Thyroid status in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of a major illness in childhood which needs prolonged immunosuppressive therapy due to its relapsing nature. Thyroid hormones and thyroxin-binding globulin (TBG) are known to lose in patients with NS. The main objectives of this research was to study the thyroid profile among the children with nephrotic syndrome during nephrosis and remission. Methods: An observational analytical study was carried out among total of 65 children with NS who were attending to University Nephrology Clinic, Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. Demographic details of patients and their relevant clinical details were obtained by an interviewer administered questionnaire. Blood for free T4, TSH, serum Albumin and Cholesterol were taken together and kept in -80 C after separating serum. Results; There were 35 and 30 patients in remission and in relapses respectively. Out of all 55.4% (n= 36) were males. The mean age in remission and relapse groups were 86.9 months ± 42.0 and 85.73 months ± 38.45. The proportions of patients who were on prednisolone, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine were 92.3% (n=60), 21.5% (n=14) and 3.1% (n=2). The mean TSH levels in remission group and relapse group were 1.99 ±1.02 mIU/L and 4.69 ± 2.99 mIU/L respectively (P= Conclusion; In conclusion, though subclinical hypothyroidism is evident in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome at the time of proteinuria, clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism do not exist among those who were in remission.

A kidney transplant recipient with recurrent trichilemmal carcinoma and multiple other primary malignancies

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing malignancy, with prolonged immunosuppressive therapy being a strong risk factor. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most commonly reported and multiple primary malignancies are also described. This is the first report of a recurrent trichilemmal carcinoma, a rare cutaneous tumour, in a kidney transplant recipient. This case, and the associated literature, indicate that regular screening, thorough examination, and tailored immunosuppressive regimens are critical in managing these patients.

From Severe Herpes Zoster to Rare Suid Herpesvirus Encephalitis: A New Twist of the Varicellovirus Genus Infection in Patients with Kidney Diseases.

Both the herpes zoster virus and suid herpesvirus type 1 (SuHV-1) belong to the Varicellovirus genus of the α-herpesviridae subfamily. They may cause opportunistic infections especially in patients with kidney diseases, varying from latent illness to overt lethality. Under these circumstances, impaired renal function is both the culprit for and victim of the infection. However, fulminant eruption of severe skin herpes zoster in lupus nephritis (LN) patients under prolonged immunosuppressive therapy is rare and even more rarely seen is the SuHV-1 encephalitis in human.Facing the evolution of these rare infections, we hence chose to review the clinical pathogenicity of these two viruses which were cognate in origin but distinct in virulence. As such, we began with the first of the two above viral diseases and proceeded with peculiar renal involvement, unique clinical symptoms and pertinent lethal risk. Of importance, LN was used to exemplify the reciprocally detrimental interactions between impaired renal function and suppressed immune response. Then in a manner similar to the gradient overlay, SuHV-1 encephalitis was discussed focusing on its neurotropic features, specific MRI findings and exclusive test of high throughput sequencing.Our report highlighted novel presentations of the Varicellovirus genus infection by providing a productive multidisciplinary communication with pointed disclosure of the renal involvement. It may therefore be of great medical relevance and educational value for clinicians, especially the unseasoned ones, to foresee and manage similar cases in susceptible patients.