Acute irreversible oxalate nephropathy in a lung transplant recipient treated successfully with a renal transplant.

We report a 29 year old male cystic fibrosis patient with end stage lung disease and normal renal function who underwent a sequential double lung transplant. Medical history included: an ileal resection and pancreatic exocrine dysfunction. The postoperative period was complicated with haemorrhage and repeat surgery, requiring multiple blood transfusions and extensive antibiotic cover. Pancreatic supplements were interrupted. Acute renal failure attributed to haemodynamically-mediated acute tubular necrosis was managed expectantly. He remained dialysis dependent 8 weeks post surgery and was maintained on triple immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisolone. A DTPA study was consistent with ATN. Renal biopsy revealed features consistent with tubular injury due to acute oxalate nephropathy (AON). Further biochemical characterization excluded primary hyperoxaluria but confirmed increased 24 hour urinary oxalate. He was maintained on enhanced frequency HDF and subsequently received an uncomplicated live related renal transplant 10 months post lung transplant with only additional basiliximab. Calcium carbonate was continued to manage post transplant hyperoxaluria and an early renal biopsy excluded recurrent oxalate injury. Enteric hyperoxaluria due to malabsorption in patients with CF especially with ileal resection, in addition to loss of gut Oxalobacter formigenes due to prolonged antimicrobials, increases the risk of AON. Increased awareness of this condition and screening prior to lung transplant is recommended.
(© 2012 The Authors. Nephrology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.)