ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Pathological Changes in Kidney Allografts Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination

S. Shelton, N. Hellenga, P. Burke

Christiana Care Health System - Kidney Transplant Program, Newark, DE

Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 1065

Keywords: COVID-19, Kidney transplantation, Rejection, Vaccination

Topic: Clinical Science » Kidney » 44 - Kidney Acute Antibody Mediated Rejection

Session Information

Session Name: Kidney Acute Antibody Mediated Rejection

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022

Session Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

 Presentation Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Hynes Halls C & D

*Purpose: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted widespread vaccination for the immunosuppressed population starting in January 2021 with minimal information on safety outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between kidney pathological changes and mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines in three kidney transplant recipients.

*Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective case review of three kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven acute rejection or pathological changes after 2-dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Renal function, maintenance immunosuppressant regimens, and pathology slides at baseline and post-rejection are recorded. Possible factors associated with the development of rejection were analyzed.

*Results: All participants were male, two received related-living donor transplants and one received a deceased donor transplant. The mean age was 44.3 years. Average time from 2nd COVID-19 vaccine to confirmed rejection or pathological changes was 33.7 days. Two patients received mRNA-1273 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and one received the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. All three allograft biopsies demonstrated findings consistent with acute active antibody mediated rejection and thrombotic microangiopathy. One allograft biopsy also demonstrated findings consistent with collapsing focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. As of November 26, 2021, there have been over 26 reports of solid organ rejection or failure to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines highlighting the need for further investigation.

*Conclusions: Immunization with COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has potential to precipitate clinically significant immune response to renal allografts leading to acute allograft rejection, thrombotic microangiopathy, and collapsing focal segmental glomerular sclerosis.

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Shelton S, Hellenga N, Burke P. Pathological Changes in Kidney Allografts Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/pathological-changes-in-kidney-allografts-associated-with-covid-19-vaccination/. Accessed May 9, 2025.

« Back to 2022 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences