1
|
Roth N, Rösch CS, Krause A, Kalteis M, Enkner W, Haller M, Cejka D, Függer R, Biebl M. Coping with a lack of evidence: living-donor kidney transplantation in the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Eur Surg 2023; 55:31-35. [PMID: 36258696 PMCID: PMC9562069 DOI: 10.1007/s10353-022-00781-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Due to immunosuppressive therapy, transplant patients are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. A potentially deadly new virus haunted us in 2020: SARS-CoV‑2, causing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). We analyzed the consequences of this previously unknown risk for our living-donor transplant program in the first year of the pandemic. After the complete lockdown in spring 2020, our transplant center in Linz resumed the living-donor kidney transplantation program from June to September 2020, between the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Austria. We compared the outcomes of these living-donor kidney transplantations with the transplant outcomes of the corresponding periods of the three previous years. From June 4 to September 9, 2020, five living-donor kidney transplantations were performed. All donors and recipients were screened for COVID 19 infection by PCR testing the day before surgery. Kidney transplant recipients remained isolated in single rooms until discharge from hospital. All recipients and donors remained SARS-CoV‑2 negative during the follow-up of 10 months and have been fully vaccinated to date. The number of living transplants in the studied period of 2020 was constant compared to the same months of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Living-donor kidney transplantation can be continued using testing for SARS-CoV‑2 and meticulous hygienic precautions in epidemiologically favorable phases of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic. Donors and recipients should be carefully selected and informed about risks and benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadina Roth
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria ,Specialist for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Elisabethinen, Fadingerstr. 2, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Christiane Sophie Rösch
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Axel Krause
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Manfred Kalteis
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Enkner
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Transplant Medicine, Rheumatology, Geriatrics Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Maria Haller
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Transplant Medicine, Rheumatology, Geriatrics Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Daniel Cejka
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Transplant Medicine, Rheumatology, Geriatrics Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Reinhold Függer
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Matthias Biebl
- Surgical Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Transplantation Amid a Pandemic: The Fall and Rise of Kidney Transplantation in the United States. Transplant Direct 2022; 9:e1423. [PMID: 36582674 PMCID: PMC9750630 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001423] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States, the number of kidney waitlist additions and living-donor and deceased-donor kidney transplants (LDKT/DDKT) decreased substantially but began recovering within a few months. Since then, there have been several additional waves of infection, most notably, the Delta and Omicron surges beginning in August and December 2021, respectively. Methods Using SRTR data, we compared observed waitlist registrations, waitlist mortality, waitlist removal due to deteriorating condition, LDKT, and DDKT over 5 distinct pandemic periods to expected events based on calculations from preepidemic data while accounting for seasonality and secular trends. Results Although the number of daily waitlist additions has been increasing since May 2020, the size of the active waitlist has consistently declined, reaching a minimum of 52 556 on February 27, 2022. The recent Omicron surge knocked LDKT from 25% below baseline (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.690.750.81) during the Delta wave to 38% below baseline (IRR = 0.580.620.67). DDKT, however, was less affected by the Omicron wave (IRR = 0.850.890.93 and 0.880.920.96 during the Delta and Omicron waves, respectively). Waitlist death decreased from 56% above baseline (IRR = 1.431.561.70) during Delta to 41% above baseline during Omicron, whereas waitlist removal due to deteriorating condition remained at baseline/expected levels during the Delta wave (IRR = 0.931.021.12) and the Omicron wave (IRR = 0.991.071.16). Conclusions Despite exceptionally high COVID-19 incidence during the Omicron wave, the transplant system responded similarly to prior waves that imposed a lesser disease burden, demonstrating the transplant system's growing adaptations and resilience to this now endemic disease.
Collapse
|
3
|
Nimmo A, Gardiner D, Ushiro-Lumb I, Ravanan R, Forsythe JLR. The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Solid Organ Transplantation: Two Years Into a Pandemic. Transplantation 2022; 106:1312-1329. [PMID: 35404911 PMCID: PMC9213067 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major global impact on solid organ transplantation (SOT). An estimated 16% global reduction in transplant activity occurred over the course of 2020, most markedly impacting kidney transplant and living donor programs, resulting in substantial knock-on effects for waitlisted patients. The increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection risk and excess deaths in transplant candidates has resulted in substantial effort to prioritize the safe restart and continuation of transplant programs over the second year of the pandemic, with transplant rates returning towards prepandemic levels. Over the past 2 y, COVID-19 mortality in SOT recipients has fallen from 20%-25% to 8%-10%, attributed to the increased and early availability of SARS-CoV-2 testing, adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions, development of novel treatments, and vaccination. Despite these positive steps, transplant programs and SOT recipients continue to face challenges. Vaccine efficacy in SOT recipients is substantially lower than the general population and SOT recipients remain at an increased risk of adverse outcomes if they develop COVID-19. SOT recipients and transplant teams need to remain vigilant and ongoing adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions appears essential. In this review, we summarize the global impact of COVID-19 on transplant activity, donor evaluation, and patient outcomes over the past 2 y, discuss the current strategies aimed at preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in SOT recipients, and based on lessons learnt from this pandemic, propose steps the transplant community could consider as preparation for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailish Nimmo
- Renal Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vachtenheim J, Novysedlak R, Svorcova M, Lischke R, Strizova Z. How COVID-19 Affects Lung Transplantation: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123513. [PMID: 35743583 PMCID: PMC9225085 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung transplant (LuTx) recipients are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses from COVID-19, and thus, we have closely reviewed the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung transplantation. In most transplant centers, the overall LuTx activity significantly declined and led to a specific period of restricting lung transplantation to urgent cases. Moreover, several transplant centers reported difficulties due to the shortage of ICU capacities. The fear of donor-derived transmission generated extensive screening programs. Nevertheless, reasonable concerns about the unnecessary losses of viable organs were also raised. The overall donor shortage resulted in increased waiting-list mortality, and COVID-19-associated ARDS became an indication of lung transplantation. The impact of specific immunosuppressive agents on the severity of COVID-19 varied. Corticosteroid discontinuation was not found to be beneficial for LuTx patients. Tacrolimus concentrations were reported to increase during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in combination with remdesivir, tacrolimus may clinically impact renal functions. Monoclonal antibodies were shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization in SOT recipients. However, understanding the pharmacological interactions between the anti-COVID-19 drugs and the immunosuppressive drugs requires further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Vachtenheim
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Rene Novysedlak
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Monika Svorcova
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert Lischke
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Zuzana Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-604712471
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Should thorax thin section computed tomography (TSCT) be a standard diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of potential kidney transplant recipients - lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemia. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:890-896. [PMID: 35752505 PMCID: PMC9023338 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
6
|
Solid Organ Transplantation in SARS-CoV-2 Recovered Transplant Candidates: a Comprehensive Review of Recent Literature. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2022; 9:95-107. [PMID: 35284204 PMCID: PMC8904162 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-022-00362-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to surge, determining the safety and timing of proceeding with solid organ transplantation (SOT) in transplant candidates who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and who are otherwise transplant eligible is an important concern. We reviewed the current status of protocols and the outcomes of SOT in SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients. Recent Findings We identified 44 published reports up through 7 September 2021, comprising 183 SOT [kidney = 115; lung = 27; liver = 36; heart = 3; simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) = 1, small bowel = 1] transplants in SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients. The majority of these were living donor transplants. A positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, although not obligatory in most reports, was a useful tool to strengthen the decision to proceed with transplant. Two consecutive real-time polymerase chain test (RT-PCR) negative tests was one of the main prerequisites for transplant in many reports. However, some reports suggest that life-saving transplantation can proceed in select circumstances without waiting for a negative RT-PCR. In general, the standard immunosuppression regimen was not changed. Summary In select cases, SOT in COVID-19 recovered patients appears successful in short-term follow-up. Emergency SOT can be performed with active SARS-CoV-2 infection in some cases. In general, continuing standard immunosuppression regimen may be reasonable, except in cases of inadvertent transplantation with active SARS-CoV-2. Available reports are predominantly in kidney transplant recipients, and more data for other organ transplants are needed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ganapathi AM, Henn MC, Lampert BC, Nunley DR, Bumgardner G, Mokadam NA, Whitson BA. Thoracic transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Transplant 2021; 36:e14575. [PMID: 34964517 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14575] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19, resulting from the infection by betacoronarvirus SARS-CoV-2, has dramatically altered healthcare worldwide. Due to the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV2, coupled with hospitals and intensive care units being overwhelmed, numerous transplant programs either slowed or shut down completely. While there have been isolated reports of COVID-19 in transplant recipients, no study to date has examined how COVID-19 affected actual transplant patterns and outcomes in the United States. Of particular importance is the impact of COVID-19 on mortality in waitlisted patients and transplant recipients. Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) dataset we compared waitlist and transplant characteristics from 3/2019-8/2019 to 3/2020-8/2020, as well as COVID-19 associated mortality in patients with prior heart or lung transplant or those active on the waitlist. Overall, there was an initial decrease in transplant volume in April 2020; however, volumes have normalized since then, with comparable outcomes to similar calendar months in 2019. Additionally, there were no significant changes in post-transplant outcomes or waiting list mortality. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it would be beneficial to maintain current practices for thoracic transplantation, to continue to provide this life-saving therapy to those in need. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asvin M Ganapathi
- Divison of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew C Henn
- Divison of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Brent C Lampert
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - David R Nunley
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ginny Bumgardner
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nahush A Mokadam
- Divison of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bryan A Whitson
- Divison of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Novysedlak R, Vachtenheim J, Stříž I, Viklický O, Lischke R, Strizova Z. SARS-CoV-2 viral load assessment in lung transplantation. Physiol Res 2021; 70:S253-S258. [PMID: 34913356 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, organ transplantation programs were facing serious challenges. The lung transplantation donor pool was extremely limited and SARS-CoV-2 viral load assessment has become a crucial part of selecting an optimal organ donor. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, the viral load is thought to be more important in lung transplantations as compared to other solid organ transplantations. We present two challenging cases of potential lung donors with a questionable COVID-19 status. Based on these cases, we suggest that the cycle threshold (Ct) value should always be requested from the laboratory and the decision whether to proceed with transplantation should be made upon complex evaluation of diverse criteria, including the nasopharyngeal swab and bronchoalveolar lavage PCR results, the Ct value, imaging findings and the medical history. However, as the presence of viral RNA does not ensure infectivity, it is still to be clarified which Ct values are associated with the viral viability. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies may support the diagnosis and moreover, novel methods, such as quantifying SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen in serum may provide important answers in organ transplantations and donor selections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Novysedlak
- Third Department of Surgery, Prague Lung Transplant Program, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Praha 5, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weiss MJ, Hornby L, Foroutan F, Belga S, Bernier S, Bhat M, Buchan CA, Gagnon M, Hardman G, Ibrahim M, Luo C, Luong ML, Mainra R, Manara AR, Sapir-Pichhadze R, Shalhoub S, Shaver T, Singh JM, Srinathan S, Thomas I, Wilson LC, Wilson TM, Wright A, Mah A. Clinical Practice Guideline for Solid Organ Donation and Transplantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Transplant Direct 2021; 7:e755. [PMID: 34514110 PMCID: PMC8425831 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health systems worldwide, including solid organ donation and transplantation programs. Guidance on how best to screen patients who are potential organ donors to minimize the risks of COVID-19 as well as how best to manage immunosuppression and reduce the risk of COVID-19 and manage infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) is needed. METHODS Iterative literature searches were conducted, the last being January 2021, by a team of 3 information specialists. Stakeholders representing key groups undertook the systematic reviews and generation of recommendations using a rapid response approach that respected the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations frameworks. RESULTS The systematic reviews addressed multiple questions of interest. In this guidance document, we make 4 strong recommendations, 7 weak recommendations, 3 good practice statements, and 3 statements of "no recommendation." CONCLUSIONS SOTr and patients on the waitlist are populations of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide decisions around deceased donation assessments and the management of SOTr and waitlist patients. Inclusion of these populations in clinical trials of therapeutic interventions, including vaccine candidates, is essential to guide best practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Weiss
- Transplant Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, QC, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP), Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP), Ottawa, ON, Canada
- System Development - Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Farid Foroutan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sara Belga
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Mamatha Bhat
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C Arianne Buchan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Gagnon
- Division of Nephrology and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gillian Hardman
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Ibrahim
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Kings College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cindy Luo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Me-Linh Luong
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rahul Mainra
- Division of Nephrology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatchewan Transplant Program, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Alex R Manara
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Sapir-Pichhadze
- Division of Nephrology and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Shalhoub
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tina Shaver
- Southern Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, ON, Canada
- Trillium Gift of Life Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sujitha Srinathan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Thomas
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay C Wilson
- System Development - Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - T Murray Wilson
- Transplant Research Foundation of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Patient Partner, Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program
- The Alberta ORGANization Group, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alissa Wright
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Allison Mah
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Arya A, Li M, Aburjania N, Singh P, Royer T, Moss S, Belden KA. COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplantation: Disease Severity and Clinical Update. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:1227-1236. [PMID: 33757628 PMCID: PMC7904466 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are a complex, immunocompromised population in whom greater coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality has been reported compared with the general population. METHODS We examined a retrospective cohort of 58 SOT recipients with first-wave COVID-19, comparing patients with severe and nonsevere illness. Additionally, SOT recipients are compared with general patients with first-wave COVID-19. RESULTS Organs transplanted included 38 kidneys, 8 livers, 5 hearts, and 3 pancreases. Average SOT recipient age was 57.4 years; 62% were male; 46.6% were African American 36.2% were white. Comorbidities included hypertension (86%), chronic kidney disease (86%), diabetes mellitus (50%), coronary artery disease (26%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14%). Twenty patients had severe COVID-19 (34.5%) and 38 had nonsevere disease (65.5%). Severe disease was more common in older SOT recipients with comorbidities and was associated with cough, dyspnea, pneumonia, C-reactive protein >10 mg/L, and platelet count <150/μL. Sex, race, body mass index, time from transplant, baseline immunosuppression, and diagnosis month did not differ among those with severe and nonsevere COVID-19. Seventy percent of SOT recipients were hospitalized vs 27.2% of general patients with COVID-19 and inpatient SOT recipients had a higher mechanical ventilation rate. Though a trend toward longer length of stay, higher intensive care unit admission, and greater inpatient mortality was observed (19.5% vs 14.8%), these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has greatly impacted SOT recipients. One-third of our SOT recipients seen during the first wave had severe illness with associated standard risk factors for poor outcome. Compared with general first-wave patients, more SOT recipients were hospitalized, although inpatient COVID-19 mortality did not significantly differ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Arya
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Li
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nana Aburjania
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pooja Singh
- Department of Nephrology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tricia Royer
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sean Moss
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katherine A Belden
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blood and marrow transplantation during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic: the Seattle approach. Bone Marrow Transplant 2020; 56:305-313. [PMID: 32980860 PMCID: PMC7519858 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-020-01068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
On January 20, 2020, the first patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States of America was diagnosed in Washington state, which subsequently experienced rapidly increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. This placed the Seattle Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) in the national epicenter of this pandemic. Here, we summarize the experience gained during our rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our efforts were aimed at safely performing urgent and potentially life-saving stem cell transplants in the setting of pandemic-related stresses on healthcare resources and shelter-in-place public health measures. We describe the unique circumstances and challenges encountered, the current state of the program amidst evolving COVID-19 cases in our community, and the guiding principles for recovery. We also estimate the collateral impact of directing clinical resources toward COVID-19-related care on cancer patients in need of stem cell transplantation. Although our experience was influenced by specific regional and institutional factors, it may help inform how transplant programs respond to COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Collapse
|