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Kehara H, Johnson-Whiting A, Yanagida R, Krishan K, Zhao H, Mishkin A, Cordova F, Criner GJ, Toyoda Y, Shigemura N. A Single-center Experience With >200 Lung Transplant Recipients With COVID-19 Infection. Transplant Direct 2024; 10:e1676. [PMID: 39220217 PMCID: PMC11365680 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although COVID-19 is no longer a declared global health emergency, data remain limited on the impact of COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients. Methods We identified lung transplant recipients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 2020 through August 2022 in our institutional database and investigated clinical outcomes. We then analyzed outcomes based on date of COVID-19 diagnosis (first wave March 2020-October 2020; second wave November 2020-2021; third wave December 2021-September 2022) and compared these results. Results Of the 210 lung transplant recipients (median age 67; 67% men) enrolled, 140 (67%) required hospital admission. Among admitted recipients, 35 (25%) were intubated and 7 (5%) were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Overall survival was 67.1% at 1 y and 59.0% at 2 y post-COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19 led to mortality in all 5 patients diagnosed during their index admission for lung transplantation. Although overall survival was significantly better in recipients with COVID-19 during the third wave, in-hospital mortality remained high (first wave 28%, second wave 38%, and 28% third wave). Vaccination (partially vaccinated versus none and fully vaccinated versus none) was the only significant protective factor for hospital admission, and age 70 y and older and partially vaccinated (versus none or fully vaccinated) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusions Overall survival after COVID-19 infection in lung transplant recipients continues to improve; however, in-hospital mortality remains remarkably high. Vaccination appears to have been impactful in preventing hospital admission, but its impact on in-hospital mortality is still unclear. Further research is needed to better identify lung transplant recipients at high risk for mortality from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Kehara
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ashley Johnson-Whiting
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Roh Yanagida
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Education and Data Science, Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Aaron Mishkin
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Francis Cordova
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gerard J. Criner
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yoshiya Toyoda
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Norihisa Shigemura
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
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Nasir N, Khanum I, Habib K, Wagley A, Arshad A, Majeed A. Insight into COVID-19 associated liver injury: Mechanisms, evaluation, and clinical implications. HEPATOLOGY FORUM 2024; 5:139-149. [PMID: 39006140 PMCID: PMC11237249 DOI: 10.14744/hf.2023.2023.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has affected millions worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. While predominantly involving the respiratory tract, SARS-CoV-2 has also caused systemic illnesses involving other sites. Liver injury due to COVID-19 has been variably reported in observational studies. It has been postulated that liver damage may be due to direct damage by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or multifactorial secondary to hepatotoxic therapeutic options, as well as cytokine release syndrome and sepsis-induced multiorgan dysfunction. The approach to a COVID-19 patient with liver injury requires a thorough evaluation of the pattern of hepatocellular injury, along with the presence of underlying chronic liver disease and concurrent medications which may cause drug-induced liver injury. While studies have shown uneventful recovery in the majority of mildly affected patients, severe COVID-19 associated liver injury has been associated with higher mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and greater morbidity in survivors. Furthermore, its impact on long-term outcomes remains to be ascertained as recent studies report an association with metabolic-fatty liver disease. This present review provides insight into the subject by describing the postulated mechanism of liver injury, its impact in the presence of pre-existing liver disease, and its short- and long-term clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosheen Nasir
- Section of Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Iffat Khanum
- Section of Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kiren Habib
- Section of Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Wagley
- Research Facilitation Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aleena Arshad
- Section of Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Atif Majeed
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Inayat F, Patel P, Ali H, Afzal A, Tahir H, Chaudhry A, Ishtiaq R, Rehman AU, Darji K, Afzal MS, Nawaz G, Giammarino A, Satapathy SK. Impact of COVID-19 on liver transplant recipients: A nationwide cohort study evaluating hospitalization, transplant rejection, and inpatient mortality. World J Transplant 2024; 14:90866. [PMID: 38947960 PMCID: PMC11212588 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.90866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a major public health concern worldwide. Patients with comorbid conditions are at risk of adverse outcomes following COVID-19. Solid organ transplant recipients with concurrent immunosuppression and comorbidities are more susceptible to a severe COVID-19 infection. It could lead to higher rates of inpatient complications and mortality in this patient population. However, studies on COVID-19 outcomes in liver transplant (LT) recipients have yielded inconsistent findings. AIM To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital-related outcomes among LT recipients in the United States. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2019-2020 National Inpatient Sample database. Patients with primary LT hospitalizations and a secondary COVID-19 diagnosis were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision coding system. The primary outcomes included trends in LT hospitalizations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcomes included comparative trends in inpatient mortality and transplant rejection in LT recipients. RESULTS A total of 15720 hospitalized LT recipients were included. Approximately 0.8% of patients had a secondary diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. In both cohorts, the median admission age was 57 years. The linear trends for LT hospitalizations did not differ significantly before and during the pandemic (P = 0.84). The frequency of in-hospital mortality for LT recipients increased from 1.7% to 4.4% between January 2019 and December 2020. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, a higher association was noted between LT recipients and in-hospital mortality during the pandemic, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.69 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-1.84), P < 0.001]. The frequency of transplant rejections among hospitalized LT recipients increased from 0.2% to 3.6% between January 2019 and December 2020. LT hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher association with transplant rejection than before the pandemic [OR: 1.53 (95%CI: 1.26-1.85), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION The hospitalization rates for LT recipients were comparable before and during the pandemic. Inpatient mortality and transplant rejection rates for hospitalized LT recipients were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Inayat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Punjab 54550, Pakistan
| | - Pratik Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mather Hospital and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, United States
| | - Hassam Ali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Arslan Afzal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Hamza Tahir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jefferson Einstein Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19141, United States
| | - Ahtshamullah Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Dominic's Hospital, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
| | - Rizwan Ishtiaq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
| | - Attiq Ur Rehman
- Division of Hepatology, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, United States
| | - Kishan Darji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Campbell University and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC 28301, United States
| | - Muhammad Sohaib Afzal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA 71103, United States
| | - Gul Nawaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Punjab 54550, Pakistan
| | - Alexa Giammarino
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Shore University Hospital and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States
| | - Sanjaya K Satapathy
- Division of Hepatology, North Shore University Hospital and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States
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Hu L, Zhang H, Huang C, Shen T, Feng Z, Mu F, Xu L, Lin Y, Yue C, Guo K, Tian M, Shi J, Zhang C, Wen P, Cao S, Wang Y, Zhang J, Shi X, Wang Z, He Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Lv Y, Liu Z, Guo W, Wang B. Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with liver transplantation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. QJM 2024; 117:339-347. [PMID: 37950449 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppressed recipients of liver transplantation (LT) are more likely to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may have an increased risk of developing worse outcomes. AIM To assess the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in LT recipients. DESIGN Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent LT between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 were included and categorized into two groups according to their use of UDCA. METHODS The prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among transplantation patients between the UDCA and non-UDCA groups were estimated and compared. RESULTS Among the 897 LT patients who met the inclusion criteria, infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 78.4%, and the rate of severe illness was 5.1% from January 2022 to January 2023 in China. In the multivariate analysis, only UDCA treatment (P = 0.006) was found to be a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. After propensity score matching, the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in the UDCA group was lower than that in the non-UDCA group (74.1% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.002). This rate was further reduced to 62.1% (P = 0.002) when the oral administration dose was >15 mg/kg/day. There was no difference in the rates of severe COVID-19 illness, ICU admission, or ventilation rate or length of hospital stay with or without UDCA treatment (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The use of UDCA in LT patients significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and showed a dose-dependent protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - H Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - C Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - T Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Z Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - F Mu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - L Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Y Lin
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - C Yue
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J1P3, Canada
| | - K Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - M Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - J Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - C Zhang
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - P Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - S Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - X Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Z Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Y He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - X Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Y Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Z Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - W Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - B Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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Bes-Berlandier H, Coiffard B, Bermudez J, Demazes-Dufeu N, Coltey B, Boschi C, Colson P, Hraiech S, Reynaud-Gaubert M, Cassir N. Management of immunosuppression in lung transplant recipients and COVID-19 outcomes: an observational retrospective cohort-study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:536. [PMID: 38807049 PMCID: PMC11134755 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the impact of immunosuppression management on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective study in a cohort of 358 lung transplant recipients (LTx) over the period from March 2020 to April 2022. All included symptomatic patients had at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR. We used a composite primary outcome for COVID-19 including increased need for oxygen since the hospital admission, ICU transfer, and in-hospital mortality. We assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses the risk factors for poor outcomes. RESULTS Overall, we included 91 LTx who contracted COVID-19. The COVID-19 in-hospital mortality rate reached 4.4%. By hierarchical clustering, we found a strong and independent association between the composite poor outcome and the discontinuation of at least one immunosuppressive molecule among tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and everolimus. Obesity (OR = 16, 95%CI (1.96; 167), p = 0.01) and chronic renal failure (OR = 4.6, 95%CI (1.4; 18), p = 0.01) were also independently associated with the composite poor outcome. Conversely, full vaccination was protective (OR = 0.23, 95%CI (0.046; 0.89), p = 0.047). CONCLUSION The administration of immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus, cyclocporine or everolimus can have a protective effect in LTx with COVID-19, probably related to their intrinsic antiviral capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bes-Berlandier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Coiffard
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Bermudez
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Demazes-Dufeu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Bérengère Coltey
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Sami Hraiech
- Service de Médecine Intensive - Réanimation, AP-HM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
- Faculté de médecine, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Services de Santé et qualité de vie EA 3279, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Martine Reynaud-Gaubert
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Nadim Cassir
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France.
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France.
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Kaltenbach MG, Davis JP, Rabiee A. COVID-19 in Liver Transplant Recipients: Less to Fear Than Originally Thought? J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101399. [PMID: 38596342 PMCID: PMC10999654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa G. Kaltenbach
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jessica P.E. Davis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Atoosa Rabiee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Ismail A, Goble SR, Khalaf A, Abumuhfouz M, Al Sakaa Amini R, Jakhete N, Shetty K. Outcomes of Liver Transplant Recipients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Nationwide Analysis From the United States. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101350. [PMID: 38406613 PMCID: PMC10882582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently available data regarding the impact of liver transplantation on the outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is conflicting. This study aims to compare the outcomes and resource utilization between patients with and without a history of liver transplant hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods and materials This is a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample. All adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in the year 2020 were included. Mortality was the primary outcome, while endotracheal intubation, length of hospital stay, and total hospital charges were the secondary outcomes. Results Out of 1,050,720 adults admitted with COVID-19 as the primary diagnosis, 1,455 had a secondary diagnosis of liver transplant. Mortality was not significantly increased in transplant recipients (OR adjusted = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.46-1.03, P = 0.07). Intubation rates and total hospital charges did not differ significantly between liver transplant recipients and patients without a history of liver transplant receipt. LOS was shorter by a coefficient of almost two days in patients with a history of LT (P < 0.001). Conclusion Liver transplant recipients do not appear to be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellatif Ismail
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Spencer R. Goble
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ahmad Khalaf
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Neha Jakhete
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Li JJ, Chen L, Zhao Y, Yang XQ, Hu FB, Wang L. Data mining and safety analysis of traditional immunosuppressive drugs: a pharmacovigilance investigation based on the FAERS database. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:513-525. [PMID: 38533933 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2327503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study aimed to explore the new and serious adverse events(AEs) of Tacrolimus(FK506), cyclosporine(CsA), azathioprine(AZA), mycophenolate mofetil(MMF), cyclophosphamide(CTX) and methotrexate(MTX), which have not been concerned. METHODS The FAERS data from January 2016 and December 2022 were selected for disproportionality analysis to discover the potential risks of traditional immunosuppressive drugs. RESULTS Compared with CsA, FK506 has more frequent transplant rejection, and is more related to renal impairment, COVID-19, cytomegalovirus infection and aspergillus infection. However, CsA has a high infection-related fatality rate. In addition, we also found some serious and rare AE in other drugs which were rarely reported in previous studies. For example, AZA is closely related to hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma with high fatality rate and MTX is strongly related to hypofibrinogenemia. CONCLUSION The AEs report on this study confirmed that the results were basically consistent with the previous studies, but there were also some important safety signals that were inconsistent with or not mentioned in previous published studies. EXPERT OPINION The opinion section discusses some of the limitations and shortcomings, proposing the areas where more effort should be invested in order to improve the safety of immunosuppressive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guanyuan, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guanyuan, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue-Qin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guanyuan, Sichuan, China
| | - Fa-Bin Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinniu Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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9
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Zhang W, Wang R, Jin P, Yu X, Wang W, Zhang Y, Bai X, Liang T. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of liver transplant recipients infected by Omicron during the opening up of the dynamic zero-coronavirus disease policy in China: A prospective, observational study. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:631-640. [PMID: 37863433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the characteristics, risk factors, outcomes, and post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms in liver transplant recipients in China's late 2022 COVID-19 wave. Recipients with COVID-19 were enrolled from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, and followed up until May 31, 2023. Baseline and characteristic data were collected. A total of 930 recipients were included, with a vaccination rate (non-mRNA) of 40.0%. Among 726 (78.1%) recipients with COVID-19, 641 (88.3%) patients were treated at home, 81 (11.2%) patients required hospitalization in general wards, 4 (0.6%) patients required intensive care, and 1 (0.1%) patient died because of COVID-19. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was related to close contact with confirmed cases (P < .001) and the condition of end-stage kidney disease (P < .046). Older age, male sex, less vaccination, and hypertension were independent risk factors for hospitalization. Fatigue (36.9%) was the most common symptom post-COVID-19, followed by memory loss (35.7%) and sleep disturbance (23.9%). Two doses of vaccines had a protective effect against these post-COVID-19 symptoms (P < .05). During this Omicron outbreak, liver transplant recipients were susceptible to COVID-19, with frequent hospitalization but low mortality. Two doses of non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines could protect against liver transplant recipient hospitalization and post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pingbo Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuntao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liver Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation of the Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Azamar-Llamas D, Arenas-Martinez JS, Olivas-Martinez A, Jimenez JV, Kauffman-Ortega E, García-Carrera CJ, Papacristofilou-Riebeling B, Rivera-López FE, García-Juárez I. Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on liver transplant recipients. Experience in a reference center in Mexico. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301198. [PMID: 38547193 PMCID: PMC10977796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS COVID-19 vaccination has proved to be effective to prevent symptomatic infection and severe disease even in immunocompromised patients including liver transplant patients. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the mortality and development of severe and critical disease in our center. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of LT patients in a reference center between March 2020 and February 2022. Demographic data, cirrhosis etiology, time on liver transplantation, immunosuppressive therapies, and vaccination status were recorded at the time of diagnosis. Primary outcome was death due to COVID-19, and secondary outcomes included the development of severe COVID-19 and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement. RESULTS 153 of 324 LT recipients developed COVID-19, in whom the main causes of cirrhosis were HCV infection and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. The vaccines used were BNT162b2 (48.6%), ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (21.6%), mRNA-1273 vaccine (1.4%), Sputnik V (14.9%), Ad5-nCoV-S (4.1%) and CoronaVac (9.5%). Case fatality and ICU requirement risk were similar among vaccinated and unvaccinated LT patients (adjusted relative case fatality for vaccinated versus unvaccinated of 0.68, 95% CI 0.14-3.24, p = 0.62; adjusted relative risk [aRR] for ICU requirement of 0.45, 95% CI 0.11-1.88, p = 0.27). Nonetheless, vaccination was associated with a lower risk of severe disease (aRR for severe disease of 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.71, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 in LT patients, regardless of the scheme used. Vaccination should be encouraged for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Azamar-Llamas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Antonio Olivas-Martinez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jose Victor Jimenez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Eric Kauffman-Ortega
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristian J García-Carrera
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bruno Papacristofilou-Riebeling
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fabián E Rivera-López
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio García-Juárez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Badrudin D, Lesurtel M, Shrikhande S, Gallagher T, Heinrich S, Warner S, Chaudhari V, Koo D, Anantha S, Molina V, Calvo MP, Allard MA, Doussot A, Kourdouli A, Efanov M, Oddi R, Barros-Schelotto P, Erkan M, Lidsky M, Garcia F, Gelli M, Kaldarov A, Granero P, Meurisse N, Adam R. International Hepato-Pancreato-Billiary Association (IHPBA) registry study on COVID-19 infections in HPB surgery patients. HPB (Oxford) 2024; 26:102-108. [PMID: 38038484 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the pandemic, the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) developed the IHPBA-COVID Registry to capture data on HPB surgery outcomes in COVID-positive patients prior to mass vaccination programs. The aim was to provide a tool to help members gain a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on patient outcomes following HPB surgery worldwide. METHODS An online registry updated in real time was disseminated to all IHPBA, E-AHPBA, A-HPBA and A-PHPBA members to assess the effects of the pandemic on the outcomes of HPB procedures, perioperative COVID-19 management and other aspects of surgical care. RESULTS One hundred twenty-five patients from 35 centres in 18 countries were included. Seventy-three (58%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 preoperatively. Operative mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy and major hepatectomy was 28% and 15%, respectively, and 2.5% after cholecystectomy. Postoperative complication rates of pancreatic procedures, hepatic interventions and biliary interventions were respectively 80%, 50% and 37%. Respiratory complication rates were 37%, 31% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION This study reveals a high risk of mortality and complication after HPB surgeries in patient infected with COVID-19. The more extensive the procedure, the higher the risk. Nonetheless, an increased risk was observed across all types of interventions, suggesting that elective HPB surgery should be avoided in COVID positive patients, delaying it at distance from the viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Badrudin
- HPB & Transplant Surgery, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mickaël Lesurtel
- Head of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Beaujon Hospital - University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Shailesh Shrikhande
- Deputy Director and Head of Cancer Surgery, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | | | - Vikram Chaudhari
- Gastrointestinal and HPB Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Donna Koo
- Northwell Health, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Sandeep Anantha
- Director of Surgical Oncology- LIJ Forest Hills Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Víctor Molina
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Marc-Antoine Allard
- Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Oddi
- Center for Clinical Medical Education and Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mert Erkan
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Granero
- Central University Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - René Adam
- Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, Villejuif, France.
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12
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Murai Y, Sakao S, Kure F, Kawasaki T, Maruyama M, Suzuki H, Yoshino I, Suzuki T. Reduction of mycophenolate mofetil dosage to limit prolonged viral shedding in solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19: Two case reports. Respir Investig 2024; 62:98-101. [PMID: 38016402 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) experience prolonged viral shedding, and they are forced to stay in the hospital because of the requirement for COVID-19 isolation. Here, we present two cases (lung and renal transplant recipients), wherein the isolation period was shortened by reducing the dosage of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Both patients recovered well from COVID-19 pneumonia. This case study suggests that a reduction in MMF dosage may lead to a shorter hospitalization period in SOT recipients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Murai
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Seiichiro Sakao
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Fujihiro Kure
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawasaki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Michihiro Maruyama
- Department of Esophageal-Gastro-Intestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hidemi Suzuki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yoshino
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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13
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Wang Y, Shen M, Li Y, Shao J, Zhang F, Guo M, Zhang Z, Zheng S. COVID-19-associated liver injury: Adding fuel to the flame. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1076-1092. [PMID: 37947373 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is mainly characterized by respiratory disorders and progresses to multiple organ involvement in severe cases. With expansion of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 research, correlative liver injury has been revealed. It is speculated that COVID-19 patients exhibited abnormal liver function, as previously observed in the SARS and MERS pandemics. Furthermore, patients with underlying diseases such as chronic liver disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and indicate a poor prognosis accompanied by respiratory symptoms, systemic inflammation, or metabolic diseases. Therefore, COVID-19 has the potential to impair liver function, while individuals with preexisting liver disease suffer from much worse infected conditions. COVID-19 related liver injury may be owing to direct cytopathic effect, immune dysfunction, gut-liver axis interaction, and inappropriate medication use. However, discussions on these issues are infancy. Expanding research have revealed that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression mediated the combination of virus and target cells, iron metabolism participated in the virus life cycle and the fate of target cells, and amino acid metabolism regulated immune response in the host cells, which are all closely related to liver health. Further exploration holds great significance in elucidating the pathogenesis, facilitating drug development, and advancing clinical treatment of COVID-19-related liver injury. This article provides a review of the clinical and laboratory hepatic characteristics in COVID-19 patients, describes the etiology and impact of liver injury, and discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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14
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Manzia TM, Sensi B, Conte LE, Siragusa L, Angelico R, Frongillo F, Tisone G. Evaluation of Humoral Response following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-Based Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients Receiving Tailored Immunosuppressive Therapy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6913. [PMID: 37959382 PMCID: PMC10650358 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of tailored immunosuppression (IS) in the development of the humoral response (HR) to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccination in liver transplant (LT) recipients is unknown. Methods: This is a single-centre prospective study of patients who underwent LT between January 2015 and December 2021 and who have received three doses of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Patients undergoing Tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (TAC-IS) were compared with those undergoing Everolimus-based immunosuppression (EVR-IS). Patients receiving the TAC-EVR combination were divided into two groups based on trough TAC concentrations, i.e., above or below 5 ng/mL. HR (analysed with ECLIA) was assessed at 30 to 135 days after vaccination. The primary outcome was the presence of a positive antibody titre (≥0.8 U/mL). Secondary outcomes were the presence of a highly protective antibody titre (≥142 U/mL), median antibody titre, and incidence of COVID-19. Results: Sixty-one participants were included. Twenty-four (40%) were receiving TAC-IS and thirty-seven (60%) were receiving EVR-IS. At the median follow-up of 116 (range: 89-154) days, there were no significant differences in positive antibody titre (95.8% vs. 94.6%; p = 0.8269), highly-protective antibody titre (83.3% vs. 81.1%; p = 0.8231), median antibody titre (2410 [IQ range 350-2500] vs. 1670 [IQ range 380-2500]; p = 0.9450), and COVID-19 incidence (0% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.5148). High serum creatinine and low estimated glomerular filtration rate were risk factors for a weak or absent HR. Conclusions: Three doses of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination yielded a highly protective HR in LT recipients. The use of TAC or EVR-based IS does not appear to influence HR or antibody titre, while renal disease is a risk factor for a weak or null HR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Maria Manzia
- Department of Surgical Science, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy (B.S.)
| | - Bruno Sensi
- Department of Surgical Science, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy (B.S.)
| | - Luigi Eduardo Conte
- Department of Surgical Science, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy (B.S.)
| | - Leandro Siragusa
- Department of Surgical Science, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy (B.S.)
| | - Roberta Angelico
- Department of Surgical Science, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy (B.S.)
| | - Francesco Frongillo
- Department of Surgery-Transplantation Service, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgery-Transplantation Service, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
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15
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Kolla E, Weill A, Zaidan M, De Martin E, Colin De Verdiere S, Semenzato L, Zureik M, Grimaldi L. COVID-19 Hospitalization in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients on Immunosuppressive Therapy. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2342006. [PMID: 37934496 PMCID: PMC10630896 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.42006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 compared with the general population. However, factors associated with COVID-19-related severity in this population are still insufficiently explored in the literature. Objective To examine which health conditions and immunosuppressive drugs for preventing graft rejection are associated with the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization in solid organ transplant recipients. Design, Setting, and Participants Using the French National Health Data System, this cohort study assessed patients of any age who received transplants between their date of birth and entry into the cohort on February 15, 2020. The cohort was followed up between February 15, 2020, and July 31, 2022. Exposures Immunosuppressive drugs, including steroids, and health conditions (age, sex, and comorbidities). Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was hospitalization for COVID-19, defined by main diagnostic International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. Factors associated with the outcome were identified with a nonconditional logistic regression. Confounding by indication was controlled using a multivariable model with adjustment for individual confounders. Each transplanted organ was examined separately. Results Overall, 60 456 participants (median [IQR] age, 59 [47-67] years; 63.7% male) were included in the study, of whom 41 463 (68.6%) had kidney transplants, 14 464 (23.9%) had liver transplants, 5327 (8.8%) had heart transplants, and 2823 (4.6%) had lung transplants. Among them, 12.7% of kidney transplant recipients, 6.4% of liver transplant recipients, 12.9% of heart transplant recipients, and 18.0% of lung transplant recipients were hospitalized for COVID-19. In kidney transplant recipients, steroids (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.60; 95% CI, 1.49-1.73) and mycophenolic acid (AOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25-1.51) were associated with a high risk of hospitalization. In liver transplant recipients, tacrolimus (AOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.98) was associated with a decreased risk, and steroids (AOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38-1.86) and mycophenolic acid (AOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.37-1.90) were associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations. In heart transplant recipients, cyclosporine (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.94) was associated with a decreased risk, and steroids (AOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.11-1.82), mycophenolic acid (AOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64), sirolimus (AOR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.20-6.09), and everolimus (AOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.51) were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. Only steroids (AOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.19-2.48) were associated with a high risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in lung transplant recipients. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that mycophenolic acid, sirolimus, and steroids are associated with an increased risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization in solid organ transplant recipients. These results should be considered by clinicians treating transplant recipients and may help inform epidemic-related decisions for this population in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epiphane Kolla
- EPI-PHARE, Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, INSERM UMR1018, School of Medicine Simone Veil, University Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Alain Weill
- EPI-PHARE, Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Mohamad Zaidan
- Department of Nephrology-Dialysis-Transplantation, Bicêtre University Hospital, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Hepato-Biliary Centre, Paul Brousse Hospital, Unit INSERM 1193, Villejuif, France
| | - Sylvie Colin De Verdiere
- Departement of Lung Transplantation and Mucoviscidose Reference Centre, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Laura Semenzato
- EPI-PHARE, Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Mahmoud Zureik
- EPI-PHARE, Scientific Interest Group in Epidemiology of Health Products, French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, French National Health Insurance, Saint-Denis, France
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, INSERM UMR1018, School of Medicine Simone Veil, University Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Lamiae Grimaldi
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology Team, INSERM UMR1018, School of Medicine Simone Veil, University Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
- Clinical Research Unit, Université Paris-Saclay, Direction of Clinical Research, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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16
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Lim JK, Njei B. Clinical and Histopathological Discoveries in Patients with Hepatic Injury and Cholangiopathy Who Have Died of COVID-19: Insights and Opportunities for Intervention. Hepat Med 2023; 15:151-164. [PMID: 37814605 PMCID: PMC10560482 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s385133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its diverse manifestations. Cholangiopathy, a condition characterized by biliary dysfunction, has emerged as a significant complication in COVID-19 patients. In this review, we report the epidemiology of COVID-19, describe the hepatotropism of SARS-CoV-2, and present the histopathology of acute liver injury (ALI) in COVID-19. Additionally, we explore the relationship between pre-existing chronic liver disease and COVID-19, shedding light on the increased susceptibility of these individuals to develop cholangiopathy. Through an in-depth analysis of cholangiopathy in COVID-19 patients, we elucidate its clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and underlying pathogenesis involving inflammation, immune dysregulation, and vascular changes. Furthermore, we provide a summary of studies investigating post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy, highlighting the long-term effects and potential management strategies for this condition, and discussing opportunities for intervention, including therapeutic targets, diagnostic advancements, supportive care, and future research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Lim
- Yale Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Basile Njei
- Yale Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Boin IF, Riccetto E, Genzini T, Santos RG, Moreira LFP, Pinto LCM, Garcia JHP, Stucchi RS, Perales SR, Zanaga L, Da Silva RF, Da Silva RCF, Haddad L, Ac D Albuquerque L, Dealmeida MD, Watanabe A, Peixoto GS, De Melo CML, Bezerra RF, Tefilli NL, Halpern M, Godoy MS, Nogara M, Mancero JMP, Noujaim HM, Rangel EB, Ataide EC. Understanding the Elevated Lethality of COVID-19 in Liver Transplant Recipients: Does Immunosuppression Management Matter? Results from a Brazilian Multicentric Historical Cohort. Transplant Proc 2023; 55:1815-1821. [PMID: 37330340 PMCID: PMC10201326 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections by SARS-CoV-2 in liver transplant recipients (LT) patients are of particular concern, notably due to perceived added risks related to immunosuppression and comorbidity burden. Current literature on this topic often relies on small, non-standardized, and geographically limited studies. This manuscript describes COVID-19 presentations and causes for elevated mortality in a large cohort of LT recipients. METHODS This study was designed as a multicentric historical cohort, including LT recipient patients with COVID-19 in 25 study centers, with the primary endpoint being COVID-related death. We also collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data regarding presentation and disease progression. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty-four cases were included. The study population was predominantly male and White and had a median age of 60 years. The median time from transplantation was 2.6 years (IQR 1-6). Most patients had at least one comorbidity (189, 80.8%). Patient age (P = .04), dyspnea (P < .001), intensive care unit admission (P < .001), and mechanical ventilation (P < .001) were associated with increased mortality. Modifications of immunosuppressive therapy (P < .001), specifically the suspension of tacrolimus, maintained significance in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Attention to risk factors and the individualization of patient care, especially regarding immunosuppression management, is crucial for delivering more precise interventions to these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andre Watanabe
- ICDF-Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Marcia Halpern
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho-UFRJ, Brazil
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18
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Georgakopoulou VE, Gkoufa A, Makrodimitri S, Basoulis D, Tsakanikas A, Karamanakos G, Mastrogianni E, Voutsinas PM, Spandidos DA, Papageorgiou CV, Gamaletsou MN, Sipsas NV. Early 3‑day course of remdesivir for the prevention of the progression to severe COVID‑19 in the elderly: A single‑centre, real‑life cohort study. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:462. [PMID: 37664680 PMCID: PMC10469144 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir, a viral RNA polymerase inhibitor, has constituted a key component of therapeutic regimens against the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Originally approved for administration in hospitalized patients, remdesivir leads to improved outcomes in patients with moderate to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After proving to be effective in hospitalized patients, its use gained approval in early-stage disease for symptomatic outpatients who are at a high risk of progression to severe disease. The present study is a real-life prospective cohort study involving 143 elderly non-hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 (≥65 years of age) who attended the emergency department of the authors' hospital seeking care for COVID-19 symptoms appearing within the prior 7 days. Eligible patients received intravenous remdesivir at a dose of 200 mg on the first day and 100 mg on days 2 and 3. The efficacy endpoints were set as the need for COVID-19-related hospitalization and all-cause mortality in the following 28 days. A total of 143 patients participated in the study. Of these patients, 118 (82.5%) patients were vaccinated with at least two doses. All patients enrolled completed the 3-day course, with a total of 6 out of 143 patients (4.2%) having a COVID-19-related hospitalization by day 28, and 5 patients (3.5%) succumbing to the disease within the study period. In the univariate Cox regression analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and haematological malignancy were identified as predictors of progression to severe disease, and albumin levels, the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and haematological malignancy were identified as predictors of 28-day mortality. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrated that among the elderly outpatients, a 3-day course of intravenous remdesivir was associated with favourable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Gkoufa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Makrodimitri
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Basoulis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Tsakanikas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Karamanakos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Elpida Mastrogianni
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Pantazis M Voutsinas
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Chrysovalantis V Papageorgiou
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria N Gamaletsou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Emergency Department, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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19
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Liava C, Ouranos K, Chatziioannou A, Kamenidou I, Kofinas A, Vasileiadou S, Antoniadis N, Katsanos G, Akriviadis E, Sinakos E. Impact and management of COVID-19 in liver transplant candidates and recipients. Ann Gastroenterol 2023; 36:477-489. [PMID: 37664224 PMCID: PMC10433260 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2023.0815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has had severe consequences for global public health, medical communities, and the socioeconomic status of a considerable number of countries. The emergence of COVID-19 has also significantly impacted the world of liver transplantation (LT). Studies from transplantation centers around the world have shown that LTs during the COVID-19 pandemic have been restricted because of the high risk of serious COVID-19 infection in this population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patients with liver disease are considered at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. In March 2020, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommended that LT should be limited to emergency cases. The COVID-19 treatment guidelines published by the National Institutes of Health are being constantly updated according to new epidemiology trends and treatment regimens. Immunocompromised patients have a higher risk of developing severe disease or death from COVID-19 compared with the general population. In this review, we summarize the available evidence regarding treatment guidelines and considerations for the evaluation and management of LT candidates and recipients in the era of COVID-19. In addition, we present data regarding COVID-19 among LT patients in our local transplantation center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Liava
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Christina Liava, Konstantinos Ouranos, Anthi Chatziioannou, Evangelos Akriviadis, Emmanouil Sinakos)
| | - Konstantinos Ouranos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Christina Liava, Konstantinos Ouranos, Anthi Chatziioannou, Evangelos Akriviadis, Emmanouil Sinakos)
| | - Anthi Chatziioannou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Christina Liava, Konstantinos Ouranos, Anthi Chatziioannou, Evangelos Akriviadis, Emmanouil Sinakos)
| | - Irene Kamenidou
- Department of Management Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, Kavala Campus (Irene Kamenidou)
| | - Athanasios Kofinas
- Department of Transplantation Surgery Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, (Athanasios Kofinas, Stella Vasileiadou, Nikolaos Antoniadis, Georgios Katsanos), Greece
| | - Stella Vasileiadou
- Department of Transplantation Surgery Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, (Athanasios Kofinas, Stella Vasileiadou, Nikolaos Antoniadis, Georgios Katsanos), Greece
| | - Nikolaos Antoniadis
- Department of Transplantation Surgery Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, (Athanasios Kofinas, Stella Vasileiadou, Nikolaos Antoniadis, Georgios Katsanos), Greece
| | - Georgios Katsanos
- Department of Transplantation Surgery Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, (Athanasios Kofinas, Stella Vasileiadou, Nikolaos Antoniadis, Georgios Katsanos), Greece
| | - Evangelos Akriviadis
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Christina Liava, Konstantinos Ouranos, Anthi Chatziioannou, Evangelos Akriviadis, Emmanouil Sinakos)
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Christina Liava, Konstantinos Ouranos, Anthi Chatziioannou, Evangelos Akriviadis, Emmanouil Sinakos)
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20
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Bhangui P. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease: One Virus-A Plethora of Consequences. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:725-727. [PMID: 37693270 PMCID: PMC10482993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Bhangui
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta – the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, India
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21
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Zhu K, Tsai O, Chahal D, Hussaini T, Yoshida EM. COVID-19 and Liver Disease: An Evolving Landscape. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:351-366. [PMID: 37604206 DOI: 10.1055/a-2157-3318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. In this review, we examine the intricate relationships between COVID-19 and liver diseases. While respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 are well known, its impact and consequences in patients with liver diseases remain an area of ongoing investigation. COVID-19 can induce liver injury through various mechanisms and is associated with higher mortality in individuals with preexisting chronic liver disease. Mortality increases with the severity of chronic liver disease and the level of care required. The outcomes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis remain unclear, whereas liver transplant recipients are more likely to experience symptomatic COVID-19 but have comparable outcomes to the general population. Despite suboptimal immunological response, COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective in liver disease, although cases of autoimmune hepatitis-like syndrome have been reported. In conclusion, COVID-19 has significant implications in liver diseases; early recognition and treatments are important for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivia Tsai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daljeet Chahal
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trana Hussaini
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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22
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Perreault G, Ching C, Nobel YR. COVID-19 in patients with liver disease and liver transplant: clinical implications, prevention, and management. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231188586. [PMID: 37521085 PMCID: PMC10372508 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231188586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had enormous implications for the care of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), cirrhosis, and liver transplant (LT). Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vary in patients with CLD and cirrhosis compared to healthy controls, and in patients with LT compared to patients without LT. Several special considerations apply to the approach to vaccination and treatment in patients with CLD and LT. The practice of liver transplantation has also been heavily impacted by the pandemic, including persistent reductions in living donor LT and increases in LT for an indication of alcohol-related liver disease. Recent medical society guidelines strive to standardize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing in donors and recipients and the approach to transplantation after recovered from COVID-19 infection, but certain controversies remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Perreault
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Ching
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Chen S, Zhang C, Chen D, Dong L, Chang T, Tang ZH. Advances in attractive therapeutic approach for macrophage activation syndrome in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200289. [PMID: 37483597 PMCID: PMC10358730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, people have relaxed their vigilance against COVID-19 due to its declining infection numbers and attenuated virulence. However, COVID-19 still needs to be concern due to its emerging variants, the relaxation of restrictions as well as breakthrough infections. During the period of the COVID-19 infection, the imbalanced and hyper-responsive immune system plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a fatal complication of immune system disease, which is caused by the excessive activation and proliferation of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells (CTL). COVID-19-related hyperinflammation shares common clinical features with the above MAS symptoms, such as hypercytokinemia, hyperferritinemia, and coagulopathy. In MAS, immune exhaustion or defective anti-viral responses leads to the inadequate cytolytic capacity of CTL which contributes to prolonged interaction between CTL, APCs and macrophages. It is possible that the same process also occurred in COVID-19 patients, and further led to a cytokine storm confined to the lungs. It is associated with the poor prognosis of severe patients such as multiple organ failure and even death. The main difference of cytokine storm is that in COVID-19 pneumonia is mainly the specific damage of the lung, while in MAS is easy to develop into a systemic. The attractive therapeutic approach to prevent MAS in COVID-19 mainly includes antiviral, antibiotics, convalescent plasma (CP) therapy and hemadsorption, extensive immunosuppressive agents, and cytokine-targeted therapies. Here, we discuss the role of the therapeutic approaches mentioned above in the two diseases. And we found that the treatment effect of the same therapeutic approach is different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyao Chen
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Deng Chen
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liming Dong
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Teding Chang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Tang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical, Tongji Trauma Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Rendina M, Barone M, Lillo C, Trapani S, Masiero L, Trerotoli P, Puoti F, Lupo LG, Tandoi F, Agnes S, Grieco A, Andorno E, Marenco S, Giannini EG, Baccarani U, Toniutto P, Carraro A, Colecchia A, Cescon M, Morelli MC, Cillo U, Burra P, Angeli P, Colledan M, Fagiuoli S, De Carlis L, Belli L, De Simone P, Carrai P, Di Benedetto F, De Maria N, Ettorre GM, Giannelli V, Gruttadauria S, Volpes R, Corsale S, Mazzaferro V, Bhoori S, Romagnoli R, Martini S, Rossi G, Caccamo L, Donato MF, Rossi M, Ginanni Corradini S, Spada M, Maggiore G, Tisone G, Lenci I, Vennarecci G, Tortora R, Vivarelli M, Svegliati Baroni G, Zamboni F, Mameli L, Tafuri S, Simone S, Gesualdo L, Cardillo M, Di Leo A. The Italian data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in transplanted patients support an organ specific immune response in liver recipients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203854. [PMID: 37469512 PMCID: PMC10352984 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study of immune response to SARSCoV-2 infection in different solid organ transplant settings represents an opportunity for clarifying the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system. In our nationwide registry study from Italy, we specifically evaluated, during the first wave pandemic, i.e., in non-vaccinated patients, COVID-19 prevalence of infection, mortality, and lethality in liver transplant recipients (LTRs), using non-liver solid transplant recipients (NL-SOTRs) and the Italian general population (GP) as comparators. Methods Case collection started from February 21 to June 22, 2020, using the data from the National Institute of Health and National Transplant Center, whereas the data analysis was performed on September 30, 2020.To compare the sex- and age-adjusted distribution of infection, mortality, and lethality in LTRs, NL-SOTRs, and Italian GP we applied an indirect standardization method to determine the standardized rate. Results Among the 43,983 Italian SOTRs with a functioning graft, LTRs accounted for 14,168 patients, of whom 89 were SARS-CoV-2 infected. In the 29,815 NL-SOTRs, 361 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were observed. The geographical distribution of the disease was highly variable across the different Italian regions. The standardized rate of infection, mortality, and lethality rates in LTRs resulted lower compared to NL-SOTRs [1.02 (95%CI 0.81-1.23) vs. 2.01 (95%CI 1.8-2.2); 1.0 (95%CI 0.5-1.5) vs. 4.5 (95%CI 3.6-5.3); 1.6 (95%CI 0.7-2.4) vs. 2.8 (95%CI 2.2-3.3), respectively] and comparable to the Italian GP. Discussion According to the most recent studies on SOTRs and SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data strongly suggest that, in contrast to what was observed in NL-SOTRs receiving a similar immunosuppressive therapy, LTRs have the same risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, mortality, and lethality observed in the general population. These results suggest an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in LTRS that is different from NL-SOTRs, probably related to the ability of the grafted liver to induce immunotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rendina
- Gastroenterology Unit, University Hospital Policlinico of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Lillo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Trapani
- Italian National Transplant Center, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Masiero
- Italian National Transplant Center, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Trerotoli
- Section of Statistics, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Puoti
- Italian National Transplant Center, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Lupo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Tandoi
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Agnes
- U.O.C. Chirurgia Generale e Trapianti di Organo, Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- U.O.C. Medicina Interna e del Trapianto di Fegato, Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Enzo Andorno
- Chirurgia dei Trapianti di Fegato, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Marenco
- Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Baccarani
- Centro Trapianto di Fegato, A.O.U.I. Udine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Toniutto
- U.S.D. Epatologia e Trapianto di Fegato, A.O.U.I. Udine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Colecchia
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Chirurgia Epatobiliare e dei Trapianti, IRCCS, A.O.U. di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Morelli
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS, A.O.U. di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University-Teaching Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, University-Teaching Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), University-Teaching Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Colledan
- U.O.C. Chirurgia Generale III, Centro Trapianti Fegato, A.S.S.T. Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, A.S.S.T. Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- Gastroenterologia, Department of Medicine University of Milan Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luciano De Carlis
- Chirurgia Generale dei Trapianti, Azienda Ospedaliera Niguarda Ca’Granda, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Belli
- U.O.C. Epatologia e Gastroenterologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Niguarda Ca’Granda, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo De Simone
- U.O.C. Chirurgia Epatica e Trapianti di Fegato, A.O.U. Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Carrai
- U.O. Chirurgia Epatica e del Trapianto di Fegato, A.O.U. Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Di Benedetto
- U.O.C. di Chirurgia Oncologica Epatobiliopancreatica e Chirurgia dei Trapianti di Fegato, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Università di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Maria
- U.O.C. Chirurgia Generale e Trapianti, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Giannelli
- Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Volpes
- Unità di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, IRCCS-ISMETT-UPMCI, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sveva Corsale
- Unità di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, IRCCS-ISMETT-UPMCI, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery and Liver transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery and Liver transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Romagnoli
- Chirurgia Generale 2, Centro Trapianto Fegato A.O.U Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Presidio Molinette, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Martini
- Gastroenteroly Unit, A.O.U Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Presidio Molinette, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Rossi
- Division of General and Liver Transplant Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucio Caccamo
- Division of General and Liver Transplant Surgery, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Donato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- U.O.C. di Chirurgia Generale e Trapianti di Organo, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Spada
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggiore
- Hepatogastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy, Nutrition and Liver Transplantation Unit, Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Liver Transplant Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Tor Vergata Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Tor Vergata Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vennarecci
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Tranplantation Surgery, A.O.R.N. “A. CARDARELLI”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vivarelli
- Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Pancreatica e dei Trapianti, A.O.U., Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Fausto Zamboni
- General and Hepatic Transplantation Surgery Unit, AO.B. G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Mameli
- General and Hepatic Transplantation Surgery Unit, AO.B. G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Simone
- Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Cardillo
- Italian National Transplant Center, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Ionian Area-, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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25
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Bitar R, Elghoudi AA, Rawat D, Azaz A, Miqdady M, Narchi H. COVID-19-induced liver injury in infants, children, and adolescents. World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:57-67. [PMID: 37342451 PMCID: PMC10278079 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i3.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms in children. Most children develop an asymptomatic and mild illness, with a minority requiring specialist medical care. Gastrointestinal manifestations and liver injury can also occur in children following infection. The mechanisms of liver injury may include infection following direct viral hepatic tissue invasion, immune response, or medication effects. Affected children might develop mild liver dysfunction which has a benign course in most children with no pre-existing liver disease. However, the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other pre-existing chronic liver disorders is associated with a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness with poor outcomes. On the other hand, the presence of liver manifestations is associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and is considered an independent prognostic factor. Respiratory, hemodynamic, and nutritional supportive therapies are the mainstay of management. Vaccination of children at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease is indicated. This review describes the liver manifestations in children with COVID-19, detailing its epidemiology, basic mechanisms, clinical expression, management, and prognosis in those with and without pre-existing liver disease and also children who have had earlier liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Bitar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed A Elghoudi
- Department of Pediatric, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Rawat
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amer Azaz
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamad Miqdady
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassib Narchi
- Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Wang Y, Li P, Lavrijsen M, Rottier RJ, den Hoed CM, Bruno MJ, Kamar N, Peppelenbosch MP, de Vries AC, Pan Q. Immunosuppressants exert differential effects on pan-coronavirus infection and distinct combinatory antiviral activity with molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir. United European Gastroenterol J 2023; 11:431-447. [PMID: 37226653 PMCID: PMC10256998 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunocompromised populations, such as organ transplant recipients and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medications, may be more susceptible to coronavirus infections. However, little is known about how immunosuppressants affect coronavirus replication and their combinational effects with antiviral drugs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to profile the effects of immunosuppressants and the combination of immunosuppressants with oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on pan-coronavirus infection in cell and human airway organoids (hAOs) culture models. METHODS Different coronaviruses (including wild type, delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and NL63, 229E and OC43 seasonal coronaviruses) were used in lung cell lines and hAOs models. The effects of immunosuppressants were tested. RESULTS Dexamethasone and 5-aminosalicylic acid moderately stimulated the replication of different coronaviruses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), 6-thioguanine (6-TG), tofacitinib and filgotinib treatment dose-dependently inhibited viral replication of all tested coronaviruses in both cell lines and hAOs. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of tofacitinib against SARS-CoV-2 was 0.62 μM and the half maximum cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was above 30 μM, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of about 50. The anti-coronavirus effect of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and filgotinib is dependent on the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with the oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. CONCLUSIONS Different immunosuppressants have distinct effects on coronavirus replication, with 6-TG, MPA, tofacitinib and filgotinib possessing pan-coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. Thus, these findings provide an important reference for optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robbert J. Rottier
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Cell BiologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Caroline M. den Hoed
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant InstituteErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marco J. Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of NephrologyDialysis and Organ TransplantationCHU RangueilINSERM UMR 1291Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease (Infinity)University Paul SabatierToulouseFrance
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Annemarie C. de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant InstituteErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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27
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Liatsos GD. SARS-CoV-2 induced liver injury: Incidence, risk factors, impact on COVID-19 severity and prognosis in different population groups. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2397-2432. [PMID: 37179584 PMCID: PMC10167898 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i16.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver is unlikely the key organ driving mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) however, liver function tests (LFTs) abnormalities are widely observed mostly in moderate and severe cases. According to this review, the overall prevalence of abnormal LFTs in COVID-19 patients ranges from 2.5% to 96.8% worldwide. The geographical variability in the prevalence of underlying diseases is the determinant for the observed discrepancies between East and West. Multifactorial mechanisms are implicated in COVID-19-induced liver injury. Among them, hypercytokinemia with "bystander hepatitis", cytokine storm syndrome with subsequent oxidative stress and endotheliopathy, hypercoagulable state and immuno-thromboinflammation are the most determinant mechanisms leading to tissue injury. Liver hypoxia may also contribute under specific conditions, while direct hepatocyte injury is an emerging mechanism. Except for initially observed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) tropism for cholangiocytes, more recent cumulative data show SARS-CoV-2 virions within hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells using electron microscopy (EM). The best evidence for hepatocellular invasion by the virus is the identification of replicating SARS-CoV-2 RNA, S protein RNA and viral nucleocapsid protein within hepatocytes using in-situ hybridization and immunostaining with observed intrahepatic presence of SARS-CoV-2 by EM and by in-situ hybridization. New data mostly derived from imaging findings indicate possible long-term sequelae for the liver months after recovery, suggesting a post-COVID-19 persistent live injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Liatsos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens 11527, Attiki, Greece
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28
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Roshanshad R, Roshanshad A, Fereidooni R, Hosseini-Bensenjan M. COVID-19 and liver injury: Pathophysiology, risk factors, outcome and management in special populations. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:441-459. [PMID: 37206656 PMCID: PMC10190688 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i4.441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is an ongoing health concern. In addition to affecting the respiratory system, COVID-19 can potentially damage other systems in the body, leading to extra-pulmonary manifestations. Hepatic manifestations are among the common consequences of COVID-19. Although the precise mechanism of liver injury is still questionable, several mechanisms have been hypothesized, including direct viral effect, cytokine storm, hypoxic-ischemic injury, hypoxia-reperfusion injury, ferroptosis, and hepatotoxic medications. Risk factors of COVID-19-induced liver injury include severe COVID-19 infection, male gender, advanced age, obesity, and underlying diseases. The presentations of liver involvement comprise abnormalities in liver enzymes and radiologic findings, which can be utilized to predict the prognosis. Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels with hypoalbuminemia can indicate severe liver injury and anticipate the need for intensive care units’ hospitalization. In imaging, a lower liver-to-spleen ratio and liver computed tomography attenuation may indicate a more severe illness. Furthermore, chronic liver disease patients are at a higher risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had the highest risk of advanced COVID-19 disease and death, followed by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. In addition to COVID-19-induced liver injury, the pandemic has also altered the epidemiology and pattern of some hepatic diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis B. Therefore, it warrants special vigilance and awareness by healthcare professionals to screen and treat COVID-19-associated liver injury accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Roshanshad
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7184731443, Iran
| | | | - Reza Fereidooni
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
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Droc G, Martac C, Buzatu CG, Jipa M, Punga MD, Isac S. Orthotopic Liver Transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 Negative Recipient from a Positive Donor: The Border between Uncertainty and Necessity in a Pandemic Era- Case Report and Overview of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:836. [PMID: 37241068 PMCID: PMC10224384 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Liver transplantation represents the gold-standard therapy in eligible patients with acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the transplantation landscape by reducing patients' addressability to specialized healthcare facilities. Since evidence-based acceptance guidelines for non-lung solid organ transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors are lacking, and the risk of bloodstream-related transmission of the disease is debatable, liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be lifesaving, even if long-term interactions are unpredictable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the relevance of performing liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors to negative recipients by emphasizing the perioperative care and short-term outcome. (2) Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient underwent orthotropic liver transplantation for Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to overlap syndrome, from a SARS-CoV-2 positive brain death donor. The patient was not infected nor vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein was negative. The liver transplantation was performed with no significant complications. As immunosuppression therapy, the patient received 20 mg basiliximab (Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) and 500 mg methylprednisolone (Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V, Puurs, Belgium) intraoperatively. Considering the risk of non-aerogene-related SARS-CoV-2 reactivation syndrome, the patient received remdesivir 200 mg (Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, Carrigtohill County Cork, Ireland) in the neo-hepatic stage, which was continued with 100 mg/day for 5 days. The postoperative immunosuppression therapy consisted of tacrolimus (Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd., Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland) and mycophenolate mofetil (Roche România S.R.L, Bucharest, Romania) according to the local protocol. Despite the persistent negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway tract, the blood titer of neutralizing antibodies turned out positive on postoperative day 7. The patient had a favorable outcome, and she was discharged from the ICU facility seven days later. (3) Conclusions: We illustrated a case of liver transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 negative recipient, whose donor was SARS-CoV-2 positive, performed in a tertiary, university-affiliated national center of liver surgery, with a good outcome, in order to raise the medical community awareness on the acceptance limits in the case of COVID-19 incompatibility for non-lung solid organs transplantation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Droc
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Martac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Cristina Georgiana Buzatu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Miruna Jipa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Maria Daniela Punga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Sebastian Isac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (G.D.); (C.M.); (C.G.B.); (M.J.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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30
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Hashem M, El-Kassas M. Diagnosis, treatment protocols, and outcomes of liver transplant recipients infected with COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2140-2159. [PMID: 37122505 PMCID: PMC10131019 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i10.2140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Several cases of fatal pneumonia during November 2019 were linked initially to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which the World Health Organization later designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In the general population, COVID-19 severity can range from asymptomatic/mild symptoms to seriously ill. Its mortality rate could be as high as 49%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have acknowledged that people with specific underlying medical conditions, among those who need immunosuppression after solid organ transplantation (SOT), are at an increased risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. Liver transplantation is the second most prevalent SOT globally. Due to their immunosuppressed state, liver transplant (LT) recipients are more susceptible to serious infections. Therefore, comorbidities and prolonged immunosuppression among SOT recipients enhance the likelihood of severe COVID-19. It is crucial to comprehend the clinical picture, immunosuppressive management, prognosis, and prophylaxis of COVID-19 infection because it may pose a danger to transplant recipients. This review described the clinical and laboratory findings of COVID-19 in LT recipients and the risk factors for severe disease in this population group. In the following sections, we discussed current COVID-19 therapy choices, reviewed standard practice in modifying immunosuppressant regimens, and outlined the safety and efficacy of currently licensed drugs for inpatient and outpatient management. Additionally, we explored the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in LT recipients and mentioned the efficacy and safety of vaccination use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Hashem
- Fellow of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Kassas
- Department of Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
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31
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Vanlerberghe B, Vrij C, Bogaerts K, Vermeersch P, Lagrou K, Molenberghs G, Rega F, Ceulemans LJ, van Raemdonck D, Jochmans I, Monbaliu D, Pirenne J, Vanuytsel T, Gillard P, Schoemans H, Cleemput JV, Kuypers D, Vos R, Nevens F, Verbeek J. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine antibody response and breakthrough infections in transplant recipients. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28736. [PMID: 37185854 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Rates and modulators of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine nonresponse and breakthrough infections remain unclear in serially vaccinated transplant recipients. In a prospective, mono-centric, observational study, 1878 adult solid organ and hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, with prior SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, were included between March 2021 and February 2022. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibodies were measured at inclusion and details on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses and infection were collected. No life-threatening adverse events were reported after a total of 4039 vaccine doses. In transplant recipients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 1636), antibody response rates ranged widely, from 47% in lung transplant to 90% in liver transplant and 91% in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients after third vaccine dose. Antibody positivity rate and levels increased after each vaccine dose in all types of transplant recipients. In multivariable analysis, older age, chronic kidney disease and daily dose of mycophenolate and corticosteroids were negatively associated with antibody response rate. Overall rate of breakthrough infections was 25.2% and mainly (90.2%) occurred after third and fourth vaccine dose. Lung transplant recipients had the highest rates of severe breakthrough infection (10.5%) and death (2.5%). In multivariable analysis, older age, daily dose of mycophenolate and corticosteroids were associated with severe breakthrough infection. Transplant recipients with infection before first vaccine dose (n = 160) had higher antibody response rates and levels after each vaccine dose, and a significantly lower overall rate of breakthrough infections compared to those without prior infection. Antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and rate of severe breakthrough infections vary largely between different transplant types and are modulated by specific risk factors. The observed heterogeneity supports a tailored approach against COVID-19 in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict Vanlerberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laboratory of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Casper Vrij
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laboratory of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Bogaerts
- Department of Public Health and Critical Care, I-BioStat, KU Leuven & University Hasselt, Leuven & Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vermeersch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Department of Public Health and Critical Care, I-BioStat, KU Leuven & University Hasselt, Leuven & Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Filip Rega
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J Ceulemans
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk van Raemdonck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diethard Monbaliu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jacques Pirenne
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laboratory of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Gillard
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hélène Schoemans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, ACCENT VV, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Cleemput
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Kuypers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laboratory of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laboratory of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Ekpanyapong S, Reddy KR. Liver and Biliary Tract Disease in Patients with Coronavirus disease-2019 Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:13-36. [PMID: 36813421 PMCID: PMC9531659 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) had become a global pandemic since March 2020. Although, the most common presentation is of pulmonary involvement, hepatic abnormalities can be encountered in up to 50% of infected individuals, which may be associated with disease severity, and the mechanism of liver injury is thought to be multifactorial. Guidelines for management in patients with chronic liver disease during COVID-19 era are being regularly updated. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, including liver transplant candidates and liver transplant recipients are strongly recommended to receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccination because it can reduce rate of COVID-19 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirina Ekpanyapong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Huachiew General Hospital, 665 Bumroongmueang Road, Khlong Mahanak, Bangkok 10100, Thailand; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, Liver Transplant Office, HUP3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, Liver Transplant Office, HUP3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a large impact on patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Patients with advanced CLD are at a significantly increased risk of poor outcomes in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The pandemic has also considerably altered the management and care that is provided to patients with CLD, pre-LT patients, and LT recipients. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects patients with CLD and LT recipients from adverse outcomes and is safe in these patients; however, vaccine efficacy may be reduced in LT recipients and other immunosuppressed patients.
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Fatima I, Duong N. The impact of COVID-19 on liver transplantation: challenges and perspectives. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231171452. [PMID: 37180361 PMCID: PMC10172841 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231171452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unique challenges to patients with decompensated cirrhosis awaiting transplant, with respect to accessing medical facilities for routine clinic visits, imaging, laboratory workup, or endoscopies. There was a delay in organ procurement that led to a decrease in the number of liver transplants (LTs) and an increase in the morality of waitlisted patients at the beginning of the pandemic. LT numbers later equalized to pre-pandemic numbers due to combined efforts and adaptability of transplant centers as well as dynamic guidelines. Due to being immunosuppressed, the demographics of LT patients were at an increased risk of infection. Although there is a higher rate of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic liver disease, LT itself is not a risk factor for mortality in COVID-19. There was no difference in overall mortality in LT patients compared to non-LT patients, and mortality risk factors were the same: age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The most common causes of death were respiratory complications. Liver-related deaths were reported in 1.6% of patients. The optimal timing of liver transplantation post-infection depends on various factors, such as the severity of liver injury, the presence of comorbidities, and the progression of the underlying liver disease. There is not enough data available on COVID-19 cholangiopathy and the number of cases that will be seen in the future that will require LT. There are some concerns of lower immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in LT patients but available evidence suggests that the vaccines are safe and well-tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikki Duong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and
Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA,
USA
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Theocharidou E, Adebayo D. Challenges in liver transplantation in the context of a major pandemic. World J Transplant 2022; 12:347-358. [PMID: 36437846 PMCID: PMC9693897 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has led to a temporary suspension of liver transplant activity across the world and the remodeling of care for patients on the waiting list and transplant recipients with the increasing use of remote consultations. Emerging evidence shows that patients with more advanced liver disease are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death, whereas transplant recipients have similar risk with the general population which is mainly driven by age and metabolic comorbidities. Tacrolimus immunosuppression might have a protective role in the post-transplant population. Vaccines that have become rapidly available seem to be safe in liver patients, but the antibody response in transplant patients is likely suboptimal. Most transplant centers were gradually able to resume activity soon after the onset of the pandemic and after modifying their pathways to optimize safety for patients and workforce. Preliminary evidence regarding utilizing grafts from positive donors and/or transplanting recently recovered or infected recipients under certain circumstances is encouraging and may allow offering life-saving transplant to patients at the greatest need. This review summarizes the currently available data on liver transplantation in the context of a major pandemic and discusses areas of uncertainty and future challenges. Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic might provide invaluable guidance for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Theocharidou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Danielle Adebayo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN, United Kingdom
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Reduced humoral but stable cellular SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity in liver transplant recipients in the first year after COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276929. [PMID: 36322587 PMCID: PMC9629592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality due to COVID-19 is not increased in immunosuppressed individuals after liver transplantation (OLT) compared to individuals without immunosuppression. Data on long-term protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in immunosuppressed convalescents, is limited. We prospectively measured immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 by quantifying antibodies against 4 different antigens (spike protein 1 and 2, receptor binding domain, nucleocapsid) and T cell responses by IFN-γ ELISPOT against 4 antigens (membrane, nucleocapsid, spike protein 1 and 2) in 24 OLT convalescents with immunosuppressive therapy longitudinally in the first year after COVID-19 including a booster vaccination in comparison to a matched cohort of non-immunosuppressed convalescents (non-IS-Con). Pre-pandemic OLT samples were retrieved from our prospective OLT biorepository (n = 16). No relevant T cell reactivity or immunoglobulin G (IgG) against SARS-CoV-2 were detectable in pre-pandemic samples of OLT recipients despite reactivity against endemic corona-viruses. OLT convalescents had a lower prevalence of IgG against nucleocapsid (54% vs. 90%) but not against spike protein domains (98-100% vs. 100%) after vaccination in the second half-year after COVID-19 compared to non-IS-Con. Also, concentrations of anti-nucleocapsid IgG were lower in OLT convalescents than in non-IS-Con. Concentration of IgG against spike protein domains was significantly increased by a booster vaccination in OLT convalescents. But concentration of IgG against two of three spike protein domains remains slightly lower compared to non-IS-Con finally. However, none of these differences was mirrored by the cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 that remained stable during the first year after COVID-19 and was not further stimulated by a corona vaccination in OLT convalescents. In conclusion, despite lower concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in OLT convalescents anti-SARS-CoV-2 cellular immunity was as robust as in non-IS-Con.
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Delgado-Fernández M, García-Gemar GM, Fuentes-López A, Muñoz-Pérez MI, Oyonarte-Gómez S, Ruíz-García I, Martín-Carmona J, Sanz-Cánovas J, Castaño-Carracedo MÁ, Reguera-Iglesias JM, Ruíz-Mesa JD. Treatment of COVID-19 with convalescent plasma in patients with humoral immunodeficiency - Three consecutive cases and review of the literature. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:507-516. [PMID: 36336380 PMCID: PMC9631336 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Patients lacking humoral response have been suggested to develop a less severe COVID-19, but there are some reports with a prolonged, relapsing or deadly course. From April 2020, there is growing evidence on the benefits of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. Most of them had a congenital primary immunodeficiency or were on treatment with anti CD20 antibodies. We report on three patients treated in our hospital and review thirty-one more cases described in the literature. All patients but three resolved clinical picture with CCP. A dose from 200 to 800ml was enough in most cases. Antibody levels after transfusion were negative or low, suggesting consumption of them in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. These patients have a protracted clinical course shortened after CCP. CCP could be helpful for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. It avoid relapses and chronification. CCP should be transfused as early as possible in patients with COVID-19 and humoral immunodeficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Fuentes-López
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Salvador Oyonarte-Gómez
- Director of "Red andaluza de Medicina transfusional, tejidos y células" del Sistema Sanitario Público de Andalucía, Spain
| | | | | | - Jaime Sanz-Cánovas
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Juan Diego Ruíz-Mesa
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain
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SPIRITO F, MAZZOCCOLI G, DI COSOLA M, LO MUZIO L. Solid organ transplantation and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: is there a possible alternative? GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE 2022. [DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.22.04907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Smith MK, Chow J, Huang R, Omar M, Ebadi M, Wong P, Huard G, Yoshida EM, Peretz D, Brahmania M, Montano-Loza AJ, Bhanji RA. COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients: Clinical features and outcomes from a Canadian multicentre cohort. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:507-512. [PMID: 38144413 PMCID: PMC10735195 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prior studies have assessed risk factors and clinical outcomes in liver transplant (LT) recipients infected with COVID-19 globally; however, there is a paucity of Canadian data. Our multicentre study aims to examine the characteristics and clinical outcomes of LT patients with COVID-19 infection in Canada. METHODS: Adult LT recipients with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19, from Canadian tertiary care centres between March 2020 and June 2021 were included. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients with a history of LT and COVID-19 infection were identified. Twenty-nine patients (59%) were male, median time from LT was 66 months (IQR 1-128), and median age was 59 years (IQR 52-65). At COVID-19 diagnosis, the median alanine transaminase (ALT) was 37 U/L (IQR 21-41), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) U/L was 34 (IQR 20-37), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) U/L was 156 (IQR 88-156), total bilirubin was 11 μmol/L (IQR 7-14), and international normalized ratio (INR) was 1.1 (IQR 1.0-1.1). The majority of patients (86%) were on tacrolimus (monotherapy or combined with mycophenolate mofetil); median tacrolimus level at COVID-19 diagnosis was 5.3 μg/L (IQR 4.0-8.1). Immunosuppression was modified in eight (16%) patients post-infection. Eighteen patients (37%) required hospitalization, and three (6%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation. Four patients (8%) died from complications related to COVID-19 infection. On univariate analysis, neither age, sex, comorbidities, nor duration post-transplant were associated with risk of hospitalization or ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: LT recipients with COVID-19 have high rates of hospitalization but fortunately have low rates of ICU admission and mortality in this national registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jessica Chow
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ruiyao Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Omar
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Maryam Ebadi
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geneviéve Huard
- Département d'hépatologie, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Peretz
- Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mayur Brahmania
- Division of Gastroenterology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rahima A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Dufour
- Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Marjot
- Oxford Liver Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chiara Becchetti
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Bern, Italy
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Impact of COVID-19 on the liver and on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and liver transplantation: An updated EASL position paper. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1161-1197. [PMID: 35868584 PMCID: PMC9296253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to the hepatology community, particularly healthcare professionals and patients. While the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and treatments has improved the clinical landscape, the emergence of the omicron variant has presented new challenges. Thus, it is timely that the European Association for the Study of the Liver provides a summary of the latest data on the impact of COVID-19 on the liver and issues guidance on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and previous liver transplantation, as the world continues to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Li P, Liu Y, Cheng Z, Yu X, Li Y. COVID-19-associated liver injury: Clinical characteristics, pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment management. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113568. [PMID: 36029543 PMCID: PMC9381432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global epidemic and poses a major threat to public health. In addition to COVID-19 manifesting as a respiratory disease, patients with severe disease also have complications in extrapulmonary organs, including liver damage. Abnormal liver function is relatively common in COVID-19 patients; its clinical manifestations can range from an asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes to decompensated hepatic function, and liver injury is more prevalent in severe and critical patients. Liver injury in COVID-19 patients is a comprehensive effect mediated by multiple factors, including liver damage directly caused by SARS-CoV-2, drug-induced liver damage, hypoxia reperfusion dysfunction, immune stress and inflammatory factor storms. Patients with chronic liver disease (especially alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma) are at increased risk of severe disease and death after infection with SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 aggravates liver damage in patients with chronic liver disease. This article reviews the latest SARS-CoV-2 reports, focusing on the liver damage caused by COVID-19 and the underlying mechanism, and expounds on the risk, treatment and vaccine safety of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Cheng
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Yu
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinxiong Li
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
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Berthold EJ, Ma-Lauer Y, Chakraborty A, von Brunn B, Hilgendorff A, Hatz R, Behr J, Hausch F, Staab-Weijnitz CA, von Brunn A. Effects of immunophilin inhibitors and non-immunosuppressive analogs on coronavirus replication in human infection models. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:958634. [PMID: 36211973 PMCID: PMC9534297 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.958634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) seriously affect human health by causing respiratory diseases ranging from common colds to severe acute respiratory diseases. Immunophilins, including peptidyl-prolyl isomerases of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) and the cyclophilin family, are promising targets for pharmaceutical inhibition of coronavirus replication, but cell-type specific effects have not been elucidated. FKBPs and cyclophilins bind the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and cyclosporine A (CsA), respectively. Methods Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (phBECs) were treated with CsA, Alisporivir (ALV), FK506, and FK506-derived non-immunosuppressive analogs and infected with HCoV-229E. RNA and protein were assessed by RT-qPCR and immunoblot analysis. Treatment with the same compounds was performed in hepatoma cells (Huh-7.5) infected with HCoV-229E expressing Renilla luciferase (HCoV-229E-RLuc) and the kidney cell line HEK293 transfected with a SARS-CoV-1 replicon expressing Renilla luciferase (SARS-CoV-1-RLuc), followed by quantification of luminescence as a measure of viral replication. Results Both CsA and ALV robustly inhibited viral replication in all models; both compounds decreased HCoV-229E RNA in phBECs and reduced luminescence in HCoV-229E-RLuc-infected Huh7.5 and SARS-CoV-1-RLuc replicon-transfected HEK293. In contrast, FK506 showed inconsistent and less pronounced effects in phBECs while strongly affecting coronavirus replication in Huh-7.5 and HEK293. Two non-immunosuppressive FK506 analogs had no antiviral effect in any infection model. Conclusion The immunophilin inhibitors CsA and ALV display robust anti-coronaviral properties in multiple infection models, including phBECs, reflecting a primary site of HCoV infection. In contrast, FK506 displayed cell-type specific effects, strongly affecting CoV replication in Huh7.5 and HEK293, but inconsistently and less pronounced in phBECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia J. Berthold
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Yue Ma-Lauer
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Ashesh Chakraborty
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte von Brunn
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hilgendorff
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hatz
- Thoraxchirurgisches Zentrum, Klinik für Allgemeine, Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Behr
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Hausch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Claudia A. Staab-Weijnitz
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M) bioArchive, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Claudia A. Staab-Weijnitz, ; Albrecht von Brunn,
| | - Albrecht von Brunn
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Claudia A. Staab-Weijnitz, ; Albrecht von Brunn,
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Aydın O, Çolakoğlu MK, Öter V, Mehmet Özgün Y, Pişkin E, Arı D, Akdoğan Kayhan M, Özmen MM, Bostancı EB. COVID-19 infection frequency and clinical course in patients with liver transplantation: Results of a single transplant center in Türkiye. Turk J Surg 2022; 38:283-288. [PMID: 36846059 PMCID: PMC9948660 DOI: 10.47717/turkjsurg.2022.5612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In this paper, it was tried to determine the incidence of COVID-19, course of the disease, and mortality rate in liver transplant patients by evaluating all patients operated on in our center. In addition, the results of liver transplantation performed in our center during the pandemic period were also presented. Material and Methods All patients who had undergone liver transplantation in our liver transplant center were questioned about their history of COVID-19 either at their routine controls in the clinic or by phone interview. Results Our liver transplant unit had 195 registered liver transplantation patients (2002-2020), and 142 of these were still alive and under follow-up. During the pandemic period, 80 patients referred to our outpatient clinic for follow-up, and their records were evaluated retrospectively in January 2021. Among 142 liver transplant patients, a total of 18 (12.6%) COVID-19 patients were identified. While 13 of these patients were males, mean age of the patients at the time of interviews was 48.8 years (22-65 years). Nine of the patients had living donor liver transplant, and the rest had cadaveric liver transplant. The most common COVID-19 associated symptom in the patients was fever. During the pandemic period, 12 liver transplant operations were performed in our center. Nine of them were living donor liver transplantation and the remainder were cadaveric liver transplantations. Two of our patients got COVID-19 positive during this period. One of them who was transplanted after COVID treatment was followed-up in intesive care for a long time and was lost not related to COVID-19. Conclusion The incidence of COVID-19 is higher in liver transplant patients than in the general population. Nonetheless, mortality rates are low. During the pandemic period, liver transplantation can be continued by following general precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Aydın
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Muhammet Kadri Çolakoğlu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Volkan Öter
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Yiğit Mehmet Özgün
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Erol Pişkin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Derya Arı
- Department of Gastroenterology, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Meral Akdoğan Kayhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Mahir Özmen
- Department of Surgery, İstinye University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Erdal Birol Bostancı
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Health Sciences University, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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Jamir I, Kumar N, Sood G, George A, Lohia P, Pasupuleti SSR, Sahney A, Wadhawan M, Kumar A, Chaudhary A. Impact of Living Donor Liver Transplantation on COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes from a Quaternary Care Centre in Delhi. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:770-777. [PMID: 36062268 PMCID: PMC9396325 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The anticipated fear of serious outcomes in coronavirus infected liver transplant recipients led to disruption of transplant services globally. The aim of our study was to analyze COVID-19 severity in transplant recipients and to compare the difference of COVID-19 clinical outcomes in early (<1 year) vs. late (>1 year) post-transplant period. METHODS 41 post-living donor liver transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection were studied retrospectively from 1st April 2020 to 28th February 2021. RESULTS The median age was 49.00 years with a male preponderance (80.49%). Fifteen patients had infection within 1 year of transplant and 26 were infected after 1 year of transplant. The overall median interval between transplantation and COVID-19 diagnosis was 816.00 days. Fever and malaise were the common presenting symptoms. The most common associated comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (65.85%) and hypertension (46.34%). The severity of illness was mild in 28 (68.29%), moderate in 4 (9.76%), severe in 6 (14.63%) and critical in 3 (7.32%). To identify associated risk factors, we divided our patients into less severe and more severe groups. Except for lymphopenia, there was no worsening of total bilirubin, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the more severe group. Eight (19.51%) patients required intensive care unit admission and three (7.32%) died, while none suffered graft rejection. In recipients with early vs. late post-transplant COVID-19 infection, there were similar outcomes in terms of severity of COVID-19 illness, intensive care unit care need, requirement of respiratory support, and death. CONCLUSION Living donor liver transplantation can be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic without the fear of poor recipient outcome in cases of unfortunate contraction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiakum Jamir
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Correspondence to: Imtiakum Jamir and Abhideep Chaudhary, Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Pusa Road, Rajendra Place, New Delhi 110005, India. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2217-1372 (IJ), https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4817-4336 (AC). Tel: +91-11-3040-3040, Fax: +91-11-2575-2885, E-mail: (IJ), (AC)
| | - Niteen Kumar
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Sood
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish George
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Lohia
- Department of Critical Care, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Samba Siva Rao Pasupuleti
- Department of Statistics, Mizoram University (A Central University), Pachhunga University College Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Amrish Sahney
- Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhideep Chaudhary
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Correspondence to: Imtiakum Jamir and Abhideep Chaudhary, Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Pusa Road, Rajendra Place, New Delhi 110005, India. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2217-1372 (IJ), https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4817-4336 (AC). Tel: +91-11-3040-3040, Fax: +91-11-2575-2885, E-mail: (IJ), (AC)
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46
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Stevens KI, Frangou E, Shin JIL, Anders HJ, Bruchfeld A, Schönermarck U, Hauser T, Westman K, Fernandez-Juarez GM, Floege J, Goumenos D, Turkmen K, van Kooten C, McAdoo SP, Tesar V, Segelmark M, Geetha D, Jayne DRW, Kronbichler A. Perspective on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases: consensus statements from the ERA-IWG and EUVAS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 37:1400-1410. [PMID: 35244174 PMCID: PMC9383521 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases are at increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The international rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has provided varying degrees of protection and enabled the understanding of vaccine efficacy and safety. The immune response to COVID-19 vaccines is lower in most patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases; either related to immunosuppression or comorbidities and complications caused by the underlying disease. Humoral vaccine response, measured by the presence of antibodies, is impaired or absent in patients receiving rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), higher doses of glucocorticoids and likely other immunosuppressants, such as cyclophosphamide. The timing between the use of these agents and administration of vaccines is associated with the level of immune response: with rituximab, vaccine response can only be expected once B cells start to recover and patients with transient discontinuation of MMF mount a humoral response more frequently. The emergence of new COVID-19 variants and waning of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the value of a booster dose and the need to develop mutant-proof vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, exhibiting a very low risk of de novo or relapsing immune-mediated kidney disease. Population-based studies will determine whether this is causal or coincidental. Such cases respond to standard management, including the use of immunosuppression. The Immunonephrology Working Group and European Vasculitis Society recommend that patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases follow national guidance on vaccination. Booster doses based on antibody measurements could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate I Stevens
- Glasgow Renal and Transplant Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eleni Frangou
- Department of Nephrology, Limassol General Hospital, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Jae I l Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Bruchfeld
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Renal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Schönermarck
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Westman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Jürgen Floege
- Division of Nephrology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Goumenos
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Kultigin Turkmen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Cees van Kooten
- Division of Nephrology and Transplant Medicine, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen P McAdoo
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Renal and Transplant Centre, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Vladimir Tesar
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mårten Segelmark
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Duvuru Geetha
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David R W Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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47
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Choudhary D, Kenwar D, Sharma A, Bhalla A, Singh S, Singh MP, Kumar V, Sharma A. Risk factors for mortality in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19: a single centre experience and case-control study. BMC Nephrol 2022; 23:241. [PMID: 35799110 PMCID: PMC9260968 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-02821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 infection is considered to cause high mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Old age, comorbidities and acute kidney injury are known risk factors for increased mortality in KTR. Nevertheless, mortality rates have varied across different regions. Differences in age, comorbidities and varying standards of care across geographies may explain some variations. However, it is still unclear whether post-transplant duration, induction therapy, antirejection therapy and co-infections contribute to increased mortality in KTR with COVID-19. The present study assessed risk factors in a large cohort from India. METHODS A matched case-control study was performed to analyze risk factors for death in KTR (N = 218) diagnosed with COVID-19 between April 2020 to July 2021 at the study centre. Cases were KTR who died (non-survivors, N = 30), whereas those who survived were taken as controls (survivors, N = 188). RESULTS A high death-to-case ratio of 13.8% was observed amongst study group KTR infected with COVID-19. There was a high incidence (12.4%) of co-infections, with cytomegalovirus being the most common co-infection among non-survivors. Diarrhea, co-infection, high oxygen requirement, and need for mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with mortality on regression analyses. Antirejection therapy, lymphopenia and requirement for renal replacement therapy were associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The mortality was much higher in KTR who required mechanical ventilation and had co-infections. Mortality did not vary with the type of transplant, post-transplant duration and usage of depletion induction therapy. An aggressive approach has to be taken for an early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devprakash Choudhary
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Deepesh Kenwar
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ashish Bhalla
- Department of Internal medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Sarbpreet Singh
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Mini P Singh
- Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Nephrology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
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48
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Tavares J, Oliveira JP, Reis P, Ribeiro B, Silva F, Malheiro J, Almeida M, Martins LS, Cabrita A, Henriques AC, Dias L. COVID-19 em receptores de transplante renal: o que aprendemos um ano depois? Um estudo de coorte a partir de um centro terciário. J Bras Nefrol 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2021-0257pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Resumo Introdução: Os receptores de transplante renal (TR) apresentam um alto risco para desfechos adversos de infecções, tais como a COVID-19. Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente todos os receptores de TR com COVID-19 documentada entre 1º de Março de 2020 e 15 de Março de 2021, e analisamos as características, curso clínico, tratamento e desfechos dos pacientes. Resultados: Identificamos 123 pacientes, 72% do sexo masculino, com uma média de idade de 54,5±13,0 anos. Vinte por cento eram assintomáticos, 7% apresentaram transmissão nosocomial, e 36% do restante necessitaram de internação. Quase todos os pacientes internados receberam oxigênio, 30% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI), mais da metade apresentou lesão renal aguda, com 10% necessitando de diálise, e 20% foram a óbito. A incidência foi comparável à da população portuguesa, mas a taxa de mortalidade foi quase quatro vezes superior (TMP de 3,768 (IC 95%: 1,723-7,154). Maior índice de massa corporal (OR 1,275; P=0,001), menor função do enxerto basal (OR 0,968; P=0,015), e transmissão nosocomial (OR 13,836; P=0,019) foram associados à demanda de oxigênio, enquanto sexo feminino (OR 3,801; P=0,031) e menor função do enxerto renal basal (OR 0,955; P=0,005), mas não índice de massa corporal, foram associados à VMI e/ou óbito. Conclusão: A taxa de mortalidade em pacientes com TR foi mais elevada do que na população em geral e a função renal basal mais baixa foi o marcador mais consistente para desfechos adversos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Reis
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Filipa Silva
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Portugal
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49
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Opsomer R, Kuypers D. COVID-19 and solid organ transplantation: Finding the right balance. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2022; 36:100710. [PMID: 35809422 PMCID: PMC9251959 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2022.100710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Opsomer
- Catholic University of Leuven, Faculty of Medicine, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Kuypers
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation; Catholic University Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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50
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Toniutto P, Falleti E, Cmet S, Cussigh A, Veneto L, Bitetto D, Fornasiere E, Fumolo E, Fabris C, Sartor A, Peressutti R, Curcio F, Regattin L, Grillone L. Past COVID-19 and immunosuppressive regimens affect the long-term response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in liver transplant recipients. J Hepatol 2022; 77:152-162. [PMID: 35283215 PMCID: PMC8908852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The long-term immunogenicity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in liver transplant (LT) recipients is unknown. We aimed to assess the long-term antibody response of the Pfizer-BioNTech® BNT162b2 vaccine in LT recipients compared to controls. METHODS LT recipients underwent anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-receptor-binding domain protein IgG (anti-RBD) and anti-nucleocapsid protein IgG antibody (anti-N) measurements at the first and 1, 4 and 6 months after the second vaccination dose. RESULTS One hundred forty-three LT recipients and 58 controls were enrolled. At baseline, 131/143 (91.6%) LT recipients tested anti-N negative (COVID-19 naïve), and 12/143 (8.4%) tested positive (COVID-19 recovered) compared to negative controls. Among COVID-19 naïve, 22.1% were anti-RBD positives 1 month after the first vaccine dose, while 66.4%, 77%, and 78.8% were 1, 4 and 6 months following the second vaccine dose. In contrast, 100% of controls were positive at 4 months (p <0.001). The median anti-RBD titer 4 months after the second vaccine dose was significantly lower (32 U/ml) in COVID-19 naïve than in controls (852 U/ml, p <0.0001). A higher daily dose of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (p <0.001), higher frequency of ascites (p = 0.012), and lower serum leukocyte count (p = 0.016) were independent predictors of anti-RBD negativity at 6 months. All COVID-19 recovered patients tested positive for anti-RBD at each time point. The median antibody titer was similar in those taking MMF (9,400 U/ml, 11,925 U/ml, 13,305 U/ml, and 10,095 U/ml) or not taking MMF (13,950 U/ml, 9,575 U/ml, 3,500 U/ml, 2,835 U/ml, p = NS) 3 weeks after the first and 1, 4 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In COVID-19-naïve LT recipients, the immunogenicity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was significantly lower than that in controls. MMF was the main determinant of vaccination failure in SARS-CoV-2-naïve patients. LAY SUMMARY The immunogenicity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in liver transplant recipients is currently unknown. Herein, we show that liver transplant recipients who have not previously had COVID-19 are less likely to mount effective antibody responses to vaccination than a control population. The main determinant of vaccination failure was the use of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Toniutto
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
| | | | - Sara Cmet
- Clinical Pathology, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Laura Veneto
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Davide Bitetto
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Ezio Fornasiere
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Fumolo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Carlo Fabris
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Assunta Sartor
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Roberto Peressutti
- Regional Center of Liver Transplantation, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Laura Regattin
- Hospital Health Management, Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Grillone
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), Udine University Hospital, Udine, Italy
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