Abstract: SA-PO1178
Post-Transplant Dermatologic Burden in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Long-Term Immunosuppression
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Complications, Pediatrics, and Multi-Organ Considerations
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2002 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Guzman Diaz, Perla Coral, Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Hernández Pacheco, Hency Anabel, Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Guzman Diaz, Gema Coral, Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Santos, Maria Victoria, Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Cepeda-Marte, Jenny L., Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Background
Kidney transplantation requires lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection. Despite its benefits, long-term immunosuppression is associated with multiple skin complications. Calcineurin inhibitors, antiproliferative agents, and mTOR inhibitors may contribute to skin toxicity, opportunistic infections, and reduced immunity.
The spectrum of skin disease may differ in tropical populations, where infectious and non-specific dermatoses appear to be more frequent than in Western studies. Understanding when these manifestations occur after transplantation may improve patient management.
Methods
This study included 100 adult kidney transplant recipients followed at a tertiary center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, between May and September 2025. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional analysis with prospective data collection.
Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire reviewed by clinicians. Information included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, immunosuppressive therapy, dermatologic history, post-transplant skin manifestations, treatment history, and sun exposure habits.
Results
Dermatologic manifestations were identified in 57% of participants. Almost half of these cases (47.3%; 27/57) appeared within the first 6 months after transplantation. The most common early findings were purpura (n=6), acneiform outbreaks (n=5), xerosis (n=4), and pruritus (n=4). Infections, including pityriasis versicolor, verrucae and onychomycosis, were more common between 1–5 years post-transplantation.
Although many findings occurred early, alopecia and xerosis persisted more than 10 years post-transplantation, suggesting persistent dermatologic involvement over time.
Conclusion
Dermatologic manifestations were frequent among kidney transplant recipients, particularly during the first months after transplantation. Early lesions may be related to induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.
Chronic and infectious skin conditions remained present years after transplantation, supporting the need for continuous dermatologic follow-up in this population.