Antivirals for COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Efficacy and Safety of Remdesivir in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Scoping Review

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with important mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Remdesivir (RDV) is an antiviral drug that has proven to be effective in reducing the replication of the virus in host cells, by which it may reduce the progression of symptoms and, consequently, the length of hospital stay and mortality. Randomized controlled trials have evaluated its use in the general population but never in SOT recipients. For the first time in this review, the safety and efficacy of RDV is evaluated in this specific population. The literature research was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases from 1 January 2020 to 24 November 2023, and 23 studies were analyzed. Although no clinical studies specifically evaluating this population have been conducted yet, RDV is likely safe for SOT patients when compared to the general population, so prescribers should consider utilizing RDV in SOT patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. Future research will allow for the confirmation of the observed results and the acquisition of broader and clearer data regarding the safety and efficacy of the drug in this specific setting.

Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Undergoing Solid-Organ Transplant: Baskent University Experience

OBJECTIVES

The clinical features and treatment approaches, outcomes, and mortality predictors of COVID-19 in solid-organ transplant recipients have not been well defined. This study investigated the clinical features of COVID-19 infection in solid-organ transplant recipients at our center in Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study included 23 solidorgan transplant recipients and 336 nontransplant individuals (143 previously healthy and 193 patients with at least 1 comorbidity) who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 disease in our hospital between March 2020 and January 2021. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients were compared. We used SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis. All groups were compared using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. P <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean age of solid-organ transplant recipients was 49.8 ± 13.7 years (78.3% men, 21.7% women). Among the 23 recipients, 17 (73.9%) were kidney and 6 (26.1%) were liver transplant recipients. Among nontransplant individuals, 88.7% (n = 298) had mild/moderate disease and 11.3% (n = 38) had severe disease. Among transplant recipients, 78.3% (n = 18) had mild/moderate disease and 21.7% (n = 5) had severe disease (P = .224). Transplant recipients had greater requirements for nasal oxygen (P = .005) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (P = .003) and had longer length of intensive care unit stay (P = .030) than nontransplant individuals. No difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of mortality (P = .439). However, a subgroup analysis showed increased mortality in transplant recipients versus previously healthy patients with COVID-19 (P <.05). Secondary infections were major causes of mortality in transplant recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 infection resulted in higher mortality in solid-organ transplant recipients versus that shown in healthy patients. More attention on secondary infections is needed in transplant recipients to reduce mortality.

COVID-19 and liver disease

Knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resultant COVID-19 in liver diseases has rapidly increased during the pandemic. Hereby, we review COVID-19 liver manifestations and pathophysiological aspects related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients without liver disease as well as the impact of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), particularly cirrhosis and liver transplantation (LT). SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with overt proinflammatory cytokine profile, which probably contributes substantially to the observed early and late liver abnormalities. CLD, particularly decompensated cirrhosis, should be regarded as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death. LT was impacted during the pandemic, mainly due to concerns regarding donation and infection in recipients. However, LT did not represent a risk factor per se of worse outcome. Even though scarce, data regarding COVID-19 specific therapy in special populations such as LT recipients seem promising. COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity seems impaired in CLD and LT recipients, advocating for a revised schedule of vaccine administration in this population.

Management of COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Case Series

Background

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were reported to be at higher risk of developing severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Despite being one of the most impacted countries, little is known about KTRs with COVID-19 in Indonesia. This report aims to explore the management strategies and short-term clinical outcomes of KTRs with COVID-19 in an Indonesian transplant center.

Methods

We observed KTRs who were admitted following COVID-19 diagnosis. Anamnesis, physical, laboratory, and radiologic examinations were performed. Demographic and transplant histories were recorded, along with symptoms, vaccination status, and management related to COVID-19.

Results

Nineteen KTRs were observed and 14 (73.6%) were male. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Nine (47.3%) KTRs had severe-critical COVID-19. The mortality rate was 42.1%. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was present in six (31.6%) of KTRs, five (83.3%) of whom were nonsurvivors. The median D-dimer level was higher in nonsurvivors (5,800 versus 670 μL), while other laboratory parameters were comparable. Seven (36.8%) KTRs were vaccinated. The mortality rates of vaccinated and unvaccinated KTRs were 14.2% and 70%, respectively. Antiviral therapy, anticoagulant, intravenous immunoglobulin, and tocilizumab were prescribed to 89.5%, 89.5%, 15.8%, and 10.5%, respectively. Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) was halted in 68% of KTRs, among which 61.5% passed away.

Conclusion

The clinical presentation of COVID-19 in KTRs was similar to that in the general population, whereas the mortality rate was higher. Management strategies for KTRs with COVID-19 should include prevention of AKI and hypercoagulation. Vaccination seems to be beneficial for KTRs, while temporary withdrawal of IST does not.

Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Including the Omicron Surge

Major changes have occurred in therapeutics for coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection over the past 12-18 mo, most notably in early outpatient therapy. In most cases, solid organ transplant recipients were not included in the original clinical trials of these agents, so studies of real-world outcomes have been important in building our understanding of their utility. This review examines what is known about clinical outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients with newer therapies. SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies for early treatment or prophylaxis have likely prevented many hospitalizations and deaths. In addition, convalescent plasma, the oral drugs nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir, remdesivir for early outpatient treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy, and investigational virus-specific T-cell therapy will be discussed. Finally, the later consequences of COVID-19, such as secondary infections, long COVID symptoms, and persistent active infection, are identified as areas for future research.

Evolution of Clinical Care in COVID-Infected Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Purpose of Review

In this review, we aim to summarize the evolution of care for the solid organ transplant recipient (SOTR) with COVID-19 disease, based on the current published guidelines and our center's experience.

Recent Findings

Oral antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies are now used with the goal to prevent severe disease. Immunomodulating drugs in addition to antivirals have been used in the treatment of severe COVID-19.

Summary

With the ongoing pandemic and unique challenges posed by the SOTR, understanding the risk and advancing management and treatment of COVID-19 infections are imperative to the successful care of a transplant recipient. There are many ongoing clinical trials being conducted in hopes of developing novel therapeutics towards COVID-19.

Outcomes of SOT Recipients With COVID-19 in Different Eras of COVID-19 Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Few reports have focused on newer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) therapies (remdesivir, dexamethasone, and convalescent plasma) in solid organ transplant recipients; concerns had been raised regarding possible adverse impact on allograft function or secondary infections.

METHODS

We studied 77 solid organ transplant inpatients with COVID-19 during 2 therapeutic eras (Era 1: March-May 2020, 21 patients; and Era 2: June-November 2020, 56 patients) and 52 solid organ transplant outpatients.

RESULTS

In Era 1, no patients received remdesivir or dexamethasone, and 4 of 21 (19.4%) received convalescent plasma, whereas in Era 2, remdesivir (24/56, 42.9%), dexamethasone (24/56, 42.9%), and convalescent plasma (40/56, 71.4%) were commonly used. Mortality was low across both eras, 4 of 77 (5.6%), and rejection occurred in only 2 of 77 (2.8%) inpatients; infections were similar in hypoxemic patients with or without dexamethasone. Preexisting graft dysfunction was associated with greater need for hospitalization, higher severity score, and lower survival. Acute kidney injury was present in 37.3% of inpatients; renal function improved more rapidly in patients who received remdesivir and convalescent plasma. Post-COVID-19 renal and liver function were comparable between eras, out to 90 d.

CONCLUSIONS

Newer COVID-19 therapies did not appear to have a deleterious effect on allograft function, and infectious complications were comparable.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Liver Transplantation: Lessons from the First Year of the Pandemic

Over the last year, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to spread across the globe, causing significant morbidity and mortality among transplantation candidates and recipients. Patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation and patients with a history of liver transplantation represent vulnerable populations, especially given the high rates of associated medical comorbidities in these groups and their immunosuppressed status. In addition, concerns surrounding COVID-19 risk in this patient population have affected rates of transplantation and general transplantation practices. Here, we explore what we have learned about the impact of COVID-19 on liver transplantation candidates and recipients as well as the many key knowledge gaps that remain.

COVID-19 and Effect on Liver Transplant

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted all aspects of liver transplantation. We reviewed the literature regarding COVID-19 clinical outcomes, treatment, and vaccination of liver transplant candidates and recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with chronic liver disease, especially with cirrhosis, have higher morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 than patients without liver disease. Increased mortality has not been consistently seen in liver transplant recipients, in whom severe disease is more strongly associated advanced age and medical comorbidities, rather than with transplant-specific factors. While several targeted COVID-19 therapies have reported hepatotoxicity, these therapies may be safe and effective in patients with liver disease and liver transplant recipients. Questions remain regarding whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via the donor liver and whether transplant is safe in patients and/or donors with recent or active COVID-19.

SUMMARY

COVID-19 has significantly affected the care of liver transplant candidates and recipients. Guidelines for the safe practice of liver transplantation are rapidly evolving, and current recommendations are discussed.

Immunosuppression practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational survey study of transplant programs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been wide heterogeneity in the medical management of transplant recipients. We aimed to pragmatically capture immunosuppression practices globally following the early months of the pandemic. From June to September 2020, we surveyed 1267 physicians; 40.5% from 71 countries participated. Management decisions were made on a case-by-case basis by the majority (69.6%) of the programs. Overall, 76.8% performed ≥1 transplantation and many commented on avoiding high-risk transplantations. For induction, 26.5% were less likely to give T-cell depletion and 14.8% were more likely to give non-depleting agents. These practices varied by program-level factors more so than the COVID-19 burden. In patients with mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 symptoms 59.7%, 76.0%, and 79.5% decreased/stopped anti-metabolites, 23.2%, 45.4%, and 68.2% decreased/stopped calcineurin inhibitors, and 25.7%, 43.9%, and 57.7% decreased/stopped mTOR inhibitors, respectively. Also, 2.1%, 30.6%, and 46.0% increased steroids in patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 symptoms. For prevalent transplant recipients, some programs also reported decreasing/stopping steroids (1.8%), anti-metabolites (10.3%), calcineurin inhibitors (4.1%), and mTOR inhibitors (5.5%). Transplant programs changed immunosuppression practices but also avoided high-risk transplants and increased maintenance steroids. The long-term ramifications of these practices remain to be seen as programs face the aftermath of the pandemic.