Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema during basiliximab induction in three adolescent renal transplant patients

Background: Introduction of the anti-CD-25 mAb basiliximab into renal transplant protocols has reduced the incidence of acute rejection. However, its side-effect profile is still unfolding. We report three adolescents who developed severe non-cardiogenic PE within 2 days of renal transplantation. Methods: Pretransplant cardiorespiratory evaluation was normal in all cases. Transplant immunosuppression consisted of basiliximab induction, corticosteroids, and tacrolimus. Patients received standard fluid management during and after the transplant surgery. Case reports: Patients 1 and 2 were 17- and 21-yr-old females. Pretransplant Hct values were 35 and 25% respectively. Each received 5-L normal saline during surgery. EBL was 200 and 500 mL in patients 1 and 2, respectively. There was immediate post-operative diuresis. Both developed non-cardiogenic PE by POD no. 2. BIPAP and PRVC were administered respectively. In both cases PE resolved within 1 wk. Patient 3 was a 19-yr-old male with pretransplant Hct of 43% who received a cadaveric renal transplant after 23.5-h cold-ischemia; 3.5 L normal saline was given during surgery. EBL was 100 mL. Non-cardiogenic PE ensued on POD no. 2 warranting assisted ventilation. The patient died following a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest on POD no. 3. Conclusions: Potential mechanisms for the development of PE include cytokine release from basiliximab with increased capillary permeability, volume overload and ischemic-reperfusion injury. Improved awareness of this potential complication, prudent fluid management, and efforts to minimize graft-ischemia are recommended to prevent further cases.