Abstract
Abstract
Background
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a lymphatic endothelium-derived tumor caused by Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8). Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of this malignancy due to use of immunosuppressive therapy. In this observational trial, the incidence of KS in different organ transplant recipients as well as mortality were investigated.
Methods
Patient information was retrieved from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database to identify all liver, kidney, heart, or lung transplant recipients, and those who were subsequently diagnosed with KS. Patients were stratified by transplant organ, clinical and demographic information was obtained to characterize each population. Unadjusted differences in incidence, mortality, and patient characteristics were examined with chi-square or Fisher exact test for categorical variables; continuous variables were examined with the Kruskal–Wallis test which was Bonferroni adjusted for multiple comparisons. Patients < 18 years of age, who had missing information concerning the development of a Kaposi’s sarcoma, or who underwent multiple organ transplant were excluded. SAS, v. 9.4, was used for statistical analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Patient demographics are described in Table 1. The development of KS was significantly different among organ transplant types. Kidney transplant recipients had a higher incidence of KS in comparison to liver transplant recipients (P < 0.001). Mortality was the highest in lung transplant recipients who developed KS, which was significantly higher than kidney (P < 0.001) or liver transplant recipients (P = 0.005). Finally, it was determined that there was a significant difference in age and race (white vs. non-white) among the various organ transplants (P < 0.001, respectively)
Conclusion
Although incidence of KS is significantly higher post renal transplant, mortality is highest in lung transplant recipients. Further investigation is needed to understand differences in mortality among transplant recipients. This will help identify at risk subjects and develop interventions to reduce mortality.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.