Standard induction immunosuppression with intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g and basiliximab 20 mg was administered pre-operatively and basiliximab

again on day 4. Oral prednisolone 30 mg daily, mycophenolate MG 132 mofetil 1 g twice daily and tacrolimus 0.075 mg/kg twice daily were commenced post-operatively. Trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole as pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis was also commenced. In the evening of day 4, the patient complained of bilateral hand, wrist, elbow and knee arthralgia that he felt was consistent with an RA flare. There was no evidence of joint erythema or effusions, and no fever or skin rash on examination. The symptoms were relatively mild, so he was observed and discharged on day 7. By day 8 he required admission for worsening arthralgia, reduced mobility and unstable angina. The angina was thought related to anaemia (Hb 90 g/L), and managed effectively with blood transfusion and anti-anginal medication. Extensive investigation of the arthralgia followed. The patient remained systemically well and denied any new rash or fevers. Examination revealed symmetrical polyarthritis affecting the wrists, metacarpophalageal joints, elbows, shoulders and knees, with joint-line tenderness and joint effusions. Initial investigations were: creatinine of 115 μmol/L showing stable graft function, C-reactive protein (CRP) of 232 mg/L (previously

14.4 mg/L on day 2), ESR of 105 mm/h, and trough tacrolimus level of 12.5 ng/mL (slightly

above target range). Further investigations selleck included: Chlormezanone rheumatoid factor (RF) of 62 IU/mL, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) of >250 U/mL, uric acid of 0.39 mmol/L, and three negative blood cultures. Hand X-rays supported bilateral and symmetrical chronic deforming and erosive inflammatory arthropathy, consistent with RA. The patient had not undergone anti-CCP testing previously, nor had RF testing for over 10 years. A joint aspirate of the right knee revealed an elevated polymorph count, without evidence of crystal arthropathy or septic arthritis. Differential diagnosis included infection-related arthralgia, polyarticular gout, RA flare, or a medication-related adverse reaction. Gout was thought unlikely as no crystals were present on joint aspirate and the patient had no history of gout. Initial management included prednisolone increase from 30 to 50 mg daily, and further investigations were undertaken. Following prompt symptomatic improvement, prednisolone dose was lowered to 40 mg daily in lieu of significant hyperglycaemia. He was discharged home on day 14, but unfortunately represented 2 days later unable to walk, with worsening severe polyarthritis requiring readmission. Graft function and tacrolimus level remained stable. Investigations and further questioning specific for infection followed.