BK viraemia as a cause of anaemia in after ABO-incompatible liver transplant: a case report

Abstract

Background: While anaemia following liver transplant is common, anaemia in the context of BK viraemia is not a commonly recognised phenomenon. Case presentation: We present the case of 59-year old gentleman with severe anaemia in the context of BK viraemia and nephropathy following ABO incompatible liver transplant. Severity of anaemia appeared to correlate with high titres of BK virus in the serum. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypocellular marrow with normal cytogenetics. Anaemia improved with treatment with cidofovir, intravenous immunoglobulin, reduction in immunosuppression and erythropoietin stimulating agent. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case of anaemia post liver transplant contributed to by BK viraemia.