Outcomes of Renal Transplant Recipients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Eye of the Storm: A Comparative Study With Waitlisted Patients. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohamed, Ismail H.; Chowdary, Prashanth B.; Shetty, Shraddha; Sammartino, Cinzia; Sivaprakasam, Rajesh; Lindsey, Ben; Thuraisingham, Raj; Yaqoob, Muhammad M.; Khurram, Muhammad A.
• Is Part Of: Transplantation. Volume 105:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; Transplantation immunology -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1337

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 and those on immunosuppression are particularly vulnerable and are shielded as per public health strategy. We present our experience of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transplant patients in one of the most affected parts of the UK with direct comparison to waitlisted patients. Methods: A single-center prospective study of symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive waitlisted and transplant patients was undertaken to compare these groups and assess clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 60 consecutive symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were identified with 32 active waitlisted patients and 28 functioning renal transplants. Demographics were similar. The incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 in the waitlisted group was 9.9% compared to 1.9% in renal transplant patients ( P < 0.001). Immunosuppression did not influence initial symptomology. Fifteen percent of patients in the waitlisted and 32% in the transplant groups died ( P = 0.726). Mortality as proportion of total waitlisted (321 patients) and transplant population (1434 patients) of our centre was 1.5% and 0.6% ( P < 0.001), respectively. C-reactive protein (CRP) at 48 h and peak CRP were associated with mortality in both groups while quick sequential organ failure assessment score at 48 h ( P = 0.036) was associated with mortality for transplant patients. Conclusions: Incidence of COVID-19 is higher in the waitlisted population but transplant patients have more severe disease, reflected by higher mortality. CRP at 48 h can be used as a predictive tool. In the absence of effective treatments, the current strategy of shielding is arguably the most important factor in protecting patients while resuming transplantation.