Liver transplantation from active COVID-19 donors: A lifesaving opportunity worth grasping?

COVID-19 in organ donors: An organ procurement organization perspective

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) with the use of SARS-CoV-2 positive donors varying widely. This study used detailed single OPO data to determine the success of using SARS-CoV-2 positive donors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study including all SARS-CoV-2 positive donors referred to the Gift of Life OPO from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize referral and organ utilization.

RESULTS

There were 861 organ referrals with 1 positive SARS-Cov-2 test: 282 were ruled out with telephone evaluation, 431 referrals were ruled out with onsite evaluation ("evaluated nondonors") and 148 became donors. For donors who had both nasopharyngeal and lower respiratory testing completed, there was notable result discordance observed. Median cycle threshold (Ct) values were similar between donors and evaluated nondonors with no change in median donor Ct values over the study period. Transplanted organs from COVID-positive donors included 27 hearts, 88 livers, 5 pancreata, and 107 kidneys; no lung donation occurred. The proportion of COVID-positive donors significantly increased over the study period.

CONCLUSION

This large volume donor referral study demonstrates increasing COVID-19 referrals progressing to donation over time, supporting the increased use of these donors for nonlung transplantation.

Is Transplantation With Coronavirus Disease 2019-Positive Donor Lungs Safe? A US Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of the pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused debilitating lung failure in many patients. Practitioners have understandably been hesitant to use lungs from donors with COVID-19 for transplantation. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and short-term outcomes of lung transplantation from donors with recent positive COVID-19 testing results.

METHODS

Lung transplantations performed between January 2020 and June 2022 were queried from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Pediatric, multiorgan, and repeat lung transplantations were excluded. Propensity scoring matched recipients of lungs from donors with recent positive COVID-19 testing results to recipients of lungs from donors with negative COVID-19 testing results, and comparisons of 30-day mortality, 3-month mortality, and perioperative outcomes were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 5270 patients underwent lung transplantation during the study dates, including 51 patients who received lungs from donors with recent positive COVID-19 testing results. Forty-five recipients of lungs from donors with recent positive COVID-19 testing results were matched with 135 recipients of lungs from donors with negative COVID-19 testing results. After matching, there was no difference in 30-day (log-rank P = .42) and 3-month (log-rank P = .42) mortality. The incidence of other perioperative complications was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30-day and 3-month survival outcomes were similar between recipients of lungs from donors with recent positive COVID-19 testing results and recipients of lungs from donors with negative COVID-19 testing results. This finding suggests that highly selected COVID-19-positive donors without evidence of active infection may be safely considered for lung transplantation. Further studies should explore long-term outcomes to provide reassurance about the safety of this practice.

Non-Lung Solid Organ Transplantation From SARS-CoV-2-Positive Donors to Uninfected Recipients

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of evidence on the risk of donor-recipient transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 in solid organ transplant recipients. Initial impressions suggest non-lung solid organs may be safely transplanted from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors without risk of viral transmission.

METHODS

We reviewed clinical results of transplants in which SARS-CoV-2-negative recipients received non-lung solid organs from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors at a single transplant center. No prisoners were used in this study, and participants were neither coerced nor paid. The manuscript was created in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul.

RESULTS

Between June 2021 and January 2023, we transplanted 26 solid organs, including 13 kidneys, 8 livers, 3 hearts, and 1 simultaneous heart and kidney, from 23 SARS-CoV-2-positive donors into 25 SARS-CoV-2 negative recipients. Two of the recipients had a positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction after transplantation, but otherwise, patients had no SARS-CoV-2-related complications, and all patients to date are alive with excellent allograft function.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of non-lung solid organs from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors into uninfected recipients can be safely performed without adverse effects from SARS-CoV-2.

Favorable experience of transplant strategy including liver grafts from COVID-19 donors: One-year follow-up results

BACKGROUND

Since November 2020, Italy was the first country to carry out a protocol and use liver from COVID-19 donors. We aimed to evaluate the medium-term outcome of patients who underwent liver transplant (LT) with those grafts.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 283 patients who underwent first LT from November 2020 to December 2022 in our Center (follow-up 468 days). Twenty-five of 283 (8.8%, study population) received a graft from donors with previous (4%) or active (96%) SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 258/283 (91.2%, control group) received a graft from COVID-19-negative donors. SARS-CoV-2-RNA was tested on graft tissue of COVID-19 donors and their recipients underwent weekly evaluation of SARS-CoV-2-RNA in nasal swabs for the first month after LT.

RESULTS

One-year and 2-year patient survival was 88.5% and 88.5% in study group versus 94.5% and 93.5% in control group, respectively (p = .531). In study population there was no evidence of donor-recipient virus transmission, but three (12%) patients (vs. 7 [2.7%] of control group, p = .048) developed hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT): they were SARS-CoV-2-RNA negative at LT and 1/3 grafts tested SARS-CoV-2-RNA positive on liver tissue. COVID-19 donor was independently associated with HAT (odds ratio (OR) = 4.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-19.15; p = .037). By comparing study population with control group, acute rejection and biliary complication rates were not significantly different (16% vs. 8.1%, p = .26; 16% vs. 16.3% p = .99, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our 1-year results of transplant strategy including liver grafts from COVID-19 donors were favorable. HAT was the only complication with significantly higher rate in patients transplanted with COVID-19 donors compared with control group.

Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 testing and organ procurement from deceased donors in the Republic of Korea

We present a summary of the evidence on testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and organ procurement from deceased donors and provide recommendations based on current clinical data and the guidelines from major transplant organizations. Because of the limited historical experience with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), certain recommendations in this document are based on theoretical rationales rather than clinical data. The recommendations in this manuscript may be subject to revision as subsequent clinical studies provide definitive evidence regarding COVID-19 in organ procurement.

Successful liver transplantation from deceased donors with active COVID-19 infections with undetectable SARS-CoV-2 in donor liver and aorta

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had unprecedented effects on society and modern healthcare. In liver transplantation, uncertainty regarding the safety of performing transplants during the early stage of the pandemic resulted in increased waitlist mortality. Additionally, concerns about disease transmission led to avoidance of deceased donors with COVID-19 infections. Several successful case reports describing incidental transplant of organs from donors with COVID-19 infections or intentional transplant of such donors into recipients with current or prior COVID-19 infections prompted the transplant community to re-evaluate that position. While excellent short-term results have been published, little is known about use of donors with active infections and the extent of COVID-19 organ involvement, which may affect long term outcomes.

METHODS

We report the successful transplantation of three livers from deceased donors with active COVID-19 infections. Donor liver and aortic tissues were evaluated by sensitive molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA via in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, all patients had excellent allograft function, without clinical or molecular evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in donor tissues.

CONCLUSION

This evidence supports the use of liver donors with active COVID-19 infections.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive pediatric organ donors: A case report

BACKGROUND

Preliminary evidence suggests that non-lung organ donation from resolved, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected adults may be safe. However, several biological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection differ in children and the risk for transmission and outcomes of recipients from pediatric donors with SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well described.

METHODS

We report two unvaccinated asymptomatic pediatric non-lung organ deceased donors who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. Donor One unexpectedly had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in nasopharyngeal swab and plasma specimens at autopsy despite several negative tests (upper and lower respiratory tract) in the days prior to organ recovery. Donor Two had SARS-CoV- 2 RNA detected in multiple nasopharyngeal swabs but not lower respiratory tract specimens (endotracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage) during routine surveillance prior to organ recovery and was managed with remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies prior to organ recovery.

RESULTS

Two hearts, two livers and four kidneys were successfully transplanted into seven recipients. No donor to recipient transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was observed and graft function of all organs has remained excellent for up to 7 months of followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the persistent gap between organ availability and the number of children waiting for transplants, deceased pediatric patients with non-disseminated SARS-CoV-2 infection, isolated to upper and/or lower respiratory tract, should be considered as potential non-lung organ donors.

COVID-19 and Liver Disease: An Evolving Landscape

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.

COVID-19 in patients with liver disease and liver transplant: clinical implications, prevention, and management

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.

Outcomes of COVID-19-Positive Donor Heart Transplantation in the United States

Background Little is known regarding the impact of donor COVID-19 status on recipient outcomes after heart transplantation. In this study, we characterize outcomes of the first 110 heart transplants from organ donors positive for COVID-19 (COVID-19+) in the United States. Methods and Results Retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database was performed for single-organ adult heart transplants from January 2020 to March 2022. Donor COVID-19+ status was defined as a positive nucleic acid amplification, antigen, or other COVID-19 test within 7 days of transplant. Nearest-neighbor propensity score matching used to adjust for differences between recipients of COVID-19+ and nonpositive donor hearts. Overall, 7251 heart transplants were included in analysis, with 110 using COVID-19+ donor hearts. Recipients of COVID-19+ allografts were younger (54 [interquartile range, 41-61]) versus 57 [46-64] years; P=0.02) but had similar rates of female sex and non-White race compared with those receiving allografts from negative donors. Nearest-neighbor propensity score matching resulted in 100 well-matched pairs of recipients of COVID-19+ versus nonpositive donor organs. The 2 matched groups had similar median lengths of stay (15 [11-23] days versus 15 [13-23] days; P=0.40), rates of graft failure (1% versus 0%; P=0.99), 30-day death (3% versus 3%; P=0.99), and 3-month survival (88% versus 94%; P=0.23) compared with recipients of nonpositive donors. No deaths occurred due to COVID-19 infection among the 8 (7%) total deceased recipients of COVID-19+ allografts to date. Conclusions Short-term outcomes of heart transplant recipients receiving COVID-19+ donor organs are reassuring. However, continued monitoring for long-term survival and potential complications are warranted.

Expert Consensus: Main Risk Factors for Poor Prognosis in COVID-19 and the Implications for Targeted Measures against SARS-CoV-2

The clinical evolution of patients infected with the Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on the complex interplay between viral and host factors. The evolution to less aggressive but better-transmitted viral variants, and the presence of immune memory responses in a growing number of vaccinated and/or virus-exposed individuals, has caused the pandemic to slowly wane in virulence. However, there are still patients with risk factors or comorbidities that put them at risk of poor outcomes in the event of having the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among the different treatment options for patients with COVID-19, virus-targeted measures include antiviral drugs or monoclonal antibodies that may be provided in the early days of infection. The present expert consensus is based on a review of all the literature published between 1 July 2021 and 15 February 2022 that was carried out to establish the characteristics of patients, in terms of presence of risk factors or comorbidities, that may make them candidates for receiving any of the virus-targeted measures available in order to prevent a fatal outcome, such as severe disease or death. A total of 119 studies were included from the review of the literature and 159 were from the additional independent review carried out by the panelists a posteriori. Conditions found related to strong recommendation of the use of virus-targeted measures in the first days of COVID-19 were age above 80 years, or above 65 years with another risk factor; antineoplastic chemotherapy or active malignancy; HIV infection with CD4+ cell counts < 200/mm³; and treatment with anti-CD20 immunosuppressive drugs. There is also a strong recommendation against using the studied interventions in HIV-infected patients with a CD4+ nadir <200/mm³ or treatment with other immunosuppressants. Indications of therapies against SARS-CoV-2, regardless of vaccination status or history of infection, may still exist for some populations, even after COVID-19 has been declared to no longer be a global health emergency by the WHO.

How to Structure a Successful Organ Donation and Transplantation System in Eight (Not So Easy) Steps: An Italian Case Study

Valuable information can be obtained from a systematic evaluation of a successful national transplant program. This paper provides an overview of Italy's solid organ transplantation program which is coordinated by the National Transplant Network (Rete Nazionale Trapianti) and The National Transplant Center (Centro Nazionale Trapianti). The analysis is based on a system-level conceptual framework and identifies components of the Italian system that have contributed to improving rates of organ donation and transplantation. A narrative literature review was conducted and the findings were validated iteratively with input from subject matter experts. The results were organized into eight critical steps, including 1) generating legal definitions of living and deceased donation, 2) taking steps to ensure that altruistic donation and transplantation become part of the national culture and a point of pride, 3) seeking out existing examples of successful programs, 4) creating a situation in which it is easy to become a donor, 5) learning from mistakes, 6) working to diminish risk factors that lead to the need for organ donation, 7) increasing the rate of donations and transplantations via innovative strategies and policies, and 8) planning for a system that supports growth.

Liver transplantation from a SARS-COV-2-positive donor: A road ahead or not

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a remarkable impact on the field of liver transplantation. Increasing evidence demonstrates a minimal risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from non-lung donors who test positive for SARS-CoV-2; however, the risks of donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 from liver donors are unknown. We present our experience with two cases in which a liver was transplanted successfully from a brain-dead donor with incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both donors were asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive with negative bronchoalveolar lavage polymerase chain reaction (BAL PCR) and mechanism of death unrelated to COVID-19. Both the recipients did well after transplant and went home with a well-functioning liver. One patient did get readmitted and was found to be SARS-CoV-2-positive; however, it was probably related to hospital exposure rather than donor-derived. SARS-CoV-2-positive donors in select cases may be used for organ donation and liver transplant is safe for recipients.

Update on Covid-19: vaccines, timing of transplant after COVID-19 infection and use of positive donors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a global pandemic that had a chilling effect on transplantation early in the pandemic and continues to result in significant morbidity and mortality of transplant recipients. Over the past 2.5 years, our understanding of the clinical utility of vaccination and mAbs to prevent COVID-19 in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has been studied. Likewise, approach to donors and candidates with SARS-CoV-2 has been better understood. This review will attempt to summarize our current understanding of these important COVID-19 topics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death among transplant patients. Unfortunately, humoral and, to a lesser extent, cellular immune response to existing COVID-19 vaccines is reduced in SOT recipients compared with healthy controls. Additional doses of vaccine are required to optimize protection of this population and still may be insufficient in those who are highly immunosuppressed, those receiving belatacept, rituximab and other B-cell active mAbs. Until recently, mAbs were options for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 but are markedly less effective with recent omicron variants. SARS-CoV-2-infected donors can generally be used for nonlung, nonsmall bowel transplants unless they have died of acute severe COVID-19 or COVID-19-associated clotting disorders.

SUMMARY

Our transplant recipients require a three-dose mRNA or adenovirus-vector and one dose of mRNA vaccine to be optimally protected initially; they then need to receive a bivalent booster 2+ months after completing their initial series. Most nonlung, nonsmall bowel donors with SARS-CoV-2 can be utilized as organ donors.

Versorgung von Lebertransplantierten während der COVID-19-Pandemie

Hintergrund

Die Pandemie durch Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) stellt eine anhaltende Herausforderung für das gesamte Gesundheitssystem dar, darunter auch für die Versorgung von Lebertransplantierten, die eine besondere Risikogruppe darstellen.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Arbeit ist es, einen praxisnahen Überblick über die aktualisierte S1-Leitlinie zur Versorgung von Lebertransplantierten während der COVID-19-Pandemie zu geben.

Material und Methoden

Basis dieser Übersicht ist die aktualisierte Leitlinie (Stand 15.06.2022) der Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV).

Ergebnisse

Während der Pandemie sollen Lebertransplantationsprogramme inklusive Evaluation, Organspenden und Nachsorge möglichst unverändert fortgeführt werden, da sie eine lebensrettende Therapieoption darstellen. Je nach Pandemielage sind jedoch Anpassungen möglich. Die Impfungen gegen „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“ (SARS-CoV-2) sollen entsprechend den Empfehlungen der Ständigen Impfkommission (STIKO) erfolgen, und Antikörperbestimmungen sind sinnvoll. Im Fall einer Infektion stehen verschiedene Therapieoptionen zur Verfügung. Eine präventive Anpassung der Immunsuppression soll nicht erfolgen, eine Anpassung von Mycophenolat-Mofetil-haltigen Regimen sowie eine Anpassung bei SARS-CoV-2-Infektion kann jedoch sinnvoll sein.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die mittlerweile zur Verfügung stehende Immunisierung sowie die antivirale/immunmodulierende Therapie erlauben eine deutlich verbesserte Prävention und Therapie von COVID-19 bei Lebertransplantierten. Eine frühzeitige Erkennung durch engmaschige Testung ist von hoher Wichtigkeit. Die verbesserten pharmakologischen Optionen ermöglichen unter Risiko-Nutzen-Abwägung auch eine Transplantation von positiven Spendern oder Empfängern.

Transplant of organs from donors with positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing: A report from the organ procurement and transplantation network ad hoc disease transmission advisory committee

BACKGROUND

Decisions to transplant organs from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid test-positive (NAT+) donors must balance risk of donor-derived transmission events (DDTE) with the scarcity of available organs.

METHODS

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data were used to compare organ utilization and recipient outcomes between SARS-CoV-2 NAT+ and NAT- donors. NAT+ was defined by either a positive upper or lower respiratory tract (LRT) sample within 21 days of procurement. Potential DDTE were adjudicated by OPTN Disease Transmission Advisory Committee.

RESULTS

From May 27, 2021 (date of OTPN policy for required LRT testing of lung donors) to January 31, 2022, organs were recovered from 617 NAT+ donors from all OPTN regions and 53 of 57 (93%) organ procurement organizations. NAT+ donors were younger and had higher organ quality scores for kidney and liver. Organ utilization was lower for NAT+ donors compared to NAT- donors. A total of 1241 organs (776 kidneys, 316 livers, 106 hearts, 22 lungs, and 21 other) were transplanted from 514 NAT+ donors compared to 21 946 organs from 8853 NAT- donors. Medical urgency was lower for recipients of NAT+ liver and heart transplants. The median waitlist time was longer for liver recipients of NAT+ donors. The match run sequence number for final acceptor was higher for NAT+ donors for all organ types. Outcomes for hospital length of stay, 30-day mortality, and 30-day graft loss were similar for all organ types. No SARS-CoV-2 DDTE occurred in this interval.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplantation of SARS-CoV-2 NAT+ donor organs appears safe for short-term outcomes of death and graft loss and ameliorates the organ shortage. Further study is required to assure comparable longer term outcomes.

Transplantation of organs from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors: Preliminary experience from Spain

BACKGROUND

The utilization of non-lung organs from deceased donors with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the time of donation can be lifesaving, although the safety of this policy must be assessed.

METHODS

This is a nationwide, prospective study, reporting the experience on the utilization of non-lung organs from SARS-CoV-2-positive donors between December 15, 2020 and May 31, 2022 in Spain.

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients received a solid organ transplant (41 kidney, 18 liver, 8 heart, and 2 combined liver-kidney) obtained from 32 donors with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR at the time of donation (four of them with a cycle threshold value <30). All recipients tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and were free of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms prior to transplantation. Nasopharyngeal swab turned positive for SARS-CoV-2 PCR in 4 (5.8%) recipients at 3, 8, 11, and 20 days after transplantation, though evidence did not support a donor-derived COVID-19. Four kidney recipients lost their grafts and two patients died: one heart recipient due to cardiogenic shock and one combined liver-kidney recipient due to lung hypertension and right heart failure. Graft losses and patient deaths were deemed unrelated to the donor SARS-CoV-2 status by the treating teams. No other adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary experience supports the safety of the use of organs other than lungs from SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive donors, in alignment with previous series. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection upon organ quality should be established in future research.

COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19 in liver transplant patients: Impact and considerations

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly impacted liver transplantation worldwide, leading to major effects on the transplant process, including the pretransplant, perioperative, and post-transplant periods. It is believed that patients with chronic liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have a higher risk of complications from coronavirus disease 2019 infection compared to the general population. However, evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 effects on liver transplant patients has not uniformly demonstrated worse outcomes. Nonetheless, the pandemic created significant challenges and restrictions on transplant policies and organ allocation.

The impact of COVID-19 on kidney transplant care

The SARS-CoV-2 virus precipitated the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which placed considerable strain on healthcare systems and necessitated immediate and rapid alterations in the delivery of healthcare. In the transplant population, COVID-19 directly impacts an inherently vulnerable population in the setting of immunosuppression and co-morbidities, but also further complicates the clinical evaluation and management of kidney transplant candidates and recipients in a strained healthcare environment being challenged by the pandemic. Many transplant centers around the world saw mortality rate spikes in organ recipients related to COVID-19, and changes in care delivery abound. This review evaluates the care of the kidney transplant patient through all phases of the process including pre-operative evaluations, perioperative care, post-transplantation considerations, and how the global pandemic has changed the way we care for our patients.

Successful lung transplantation using an allograft from a COVID-19-recovered donor: a potential role for subgenomic RNA to guide organ utilization

Although the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through lung transplantation from acutely infected donors is high, the risks of virus transmission and long-term lung allograft outcomes are not as well described when using pulmonary organs from COVID-19-recovered donors. We describe successful lung transplantation for a COVID-19-related lung injury using lungs from a COVID-19-recovered donor who was retrospectively found to have detectable genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the lung tissue by multiple highly sensitive assays. However, SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA (sgRNA), a marker of viral replication, was not detectable in the donor respiratory tissues. One year after lung transplantation, the recipient has a good functional status, walking 1 mile several times per week without the need for supplemental oxygen and without any evidence of donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Our findings highlight the limitations of current clinical laboratory diagnostic assays in detecting the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the lung tissue. The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the donor tissue did not appear to represent active viral replication via sgRNA testing and, most importantly, did not negatively impact the allograft outcome in the first year after lung transplantation. sgRNA is easily performed and may be a useful assay for assessing viral infectivity in organs from donors with a recent infection.

Utilization of SARS-CoV-2-Positive donors in pediatric renal transplantation

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19-positive donors are becoming more common, there is an increasing need for the transplant community to evaluate the safety and efficacy of organ transplant from a SARS-CoV-2-infected donor.

METHODS

Here we describe outcomes of two pediatric kidney transplant recipients who were vaccinated against COVID-19 and received their allograft from a SARS-CoV-2-positive donor.

RESULTS

Both donors did not die from a COVID-19-related illness; the first donor had 1 week of COVID-19 symptoms 4 weeks prior to donation and the second was asymptomatic. Donor 1 had a Ct of 33.4 at 3 days and Donor 2 with a Ct of 37.2 at 16 days prior to donation. The first recipient was positive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG on the day of transplant, but the second patient was negative and both patients received IVIg perioperatively. There was no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission or compromised renal function at 86- and 80-day post-transplant, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series suggests favorable short-term outcomes with accepting SARS-CoV-2-positive donors for pediatric renal transplantation, after thorough evaluation of the donor's risk for transmission, assessing the recipient's serologic status to SARS-CoV-2, and considering pre-emptive measures to mitigate the risk for severe COVID-19 should the recipient acquire donor-derived SARS-CoV-2.

A new chapter in an evolving pandemic: Successful pediatric liver transplantation with SARS-CoV-2+ donors

BACKGROUND

Amid a viral pandemic with poorly understood transmissibility and pathogenicity in the pediatric patient, we report the first pediatric liver transplants utilizing allografts from SARS-CoV-2+ donors.

METHODS

We describe the outcomes of two pediatric liver transplant recipients who received organs from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test-positive (NAT+) donors. Data were obtained through the respective electronic medical record system and UNet DonorNet platform.

RESULTS

The first donor was a 3-year-old boy succumbing to head trauma. One of four nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and 1 of 3 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) NAT tests demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 infection before organ procurement. The second donor was a 16-month-old boy with cardiopulmonary arrest of unknown etiology. Three NAT tests (2 NP swab/1 BAL) prior to procurement failed to detect SARS-CoV-2. The diagnosis was made when the medical examiner repeated 2 NP swab NATs and an archive plasma NAT, all positive for SARS-CoV-2. Both 2-year-old recipients continue to do well 8 months post-transplant, with excellent graft function and no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to describe successful pediatric liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2+ donors. These data reinforce the adult transplant experience and support the judicious use of SARS-CoV-2+ donors for liver transplantation in children. With SARS-CoV-2 becoming endemic, the concern for donor-derived viral transmission must now be weighed against the realized benefit of life-saving transplantation in the pediatric population as we continue to work toward donor pool maximization.

Comparative outcomes for over 100 deceased donor kidney transplants from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors: A single-center experience

Emerging data support the safety of transplantation of extra-pulmonary organs from donors with SARS-CoV-2-detection. Our center offered kidney transplantation (KT) from deceased donors (DD) with SARS-CoV-2 with and without COVID-19 as a cause of death (CoV + COD and CoV+) to consenting candidates. No pre-emptive antiviral therapies were given. We retrospectively compared outcomes to contemporaneous DDKTs with negative SARS-CoV-2 testing (CoVneg). From February 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022, there were 220 adult KTs, including 115 (52%) from 35 CoV+ and 33 CoV + COD donors. Compared to CoVneg and CoV+, CoV + COD were more often DCD (100% vs. 40% and 46%, p < .01) with longer cold ischemia times (25.2 h vs. 22.9 h and 22.2 h, p = .02). At median follow-up of 5.7 months, recipients of CoV+, CoV + COD and CoVneg kidneys had similar rates of delayed graft function (10.3%, 21.8% and 21.9%, p = .16), rejection (5.1%, 0% and 8.5%, p = .07), graft failure (1.7%, 0% and 0%, p = .35), mortality (0.9%, 0% and 3.7%; p = .29), and COVID-19 diagnoses (13.6%, 7.1%, and 15.2%, p = .33). Though follow-up was shorter, CoV + COD was associated with lower but acceptable eGFR on multivariable analysis. KT from DDs at various stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears safe and successful. Extended follow-up is required to assess the impact of CoV + COD donors on longer term graft function.

Challenges in liver transplantation in the context of a major pandemic

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.

COVID-19 and liver disease

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

COVID-19 positive donor for solid organ transplantation

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed organ donation and transplantation worldwide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the uncertainty regarding the potential route of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created tremendous pressures on transplantation communities, and international organisations have advised against using organs from deceased donors who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through organ donation has only been reported for lung transplantation; hence, based on current experience, transplantation of non-lung organs from donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection has been considered possible and safe, at least over short-term follow-up. As the evolving outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 continues, alongside the presence of vaccines and new treatment options, clinicians should consider transplanting organs from deceased donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection to recipients with limited opportunities for transplantation and those with specific natural or vaccine-induced immunity. This article proffers an expert opinion on the use of organs from deceased donors with resolved or active SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of more definitive data and standardised acceptance patterns.

Utilization and outcomes of deceased donor SARS-CoV-2-positive organs for solid organ transplantation in the United States

Coronavirus disease-19 has had a marked impact on the transplant population and processes of care for transplant centers and organ allocation. Several single-center studies have reported successful utilization of deceased donors with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tests. Our aims were to characterize testing, organ utilization, and transplant outcomes with donor SARS-CoV-2 status in the United States. We used Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from March 12, 2020 to August 31, 2021 including a custom file with SARS-CoV-2 testing data. There were 35 347 donor specimen SARS-CoV-2 tests, 77.5% upper respiratory samples, 94.6% polymerase chain reaction tests, and 1.2% SARS-CoV-2-positive tests. Donor age, gender, history of hypertension, and diabetes were similar by SARS-CoV-2 status, while positive SARS-CoV-2 donors were more likely African-American, Hispanic, and donors after cardiac death (p-values <.01). Recipient demographic characteristics were similar by donor SARS CoV-2 status. Adjusted donor kidney discard (odds ratio = 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-2.61) was higher for SARS-CoV-2-positive donors while donor liver (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI 0.33-0.60) and heart recovery (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI 0.31-0.63) were significantly reduced. Overall post-transplant graft survival for kidney, liver, and heart recipients was comparable by donor SARS-CoV-2 status. Cumulatively, there has been significantly lower utilization of SARS-CoV-2 donors with no evidence of reduced recipient graft survival with variations in practice over time.

Solid organ transplantation from COVID positive donors in the United States: Analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing database

BACKGROUND

Significant uncertainties remain regarding the utilization of organs for solid organ transplantation (SOT) from donors with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to assess the trends in utilization of organs from donors with COVID-19 and their short-term outcomes.

METHODS

Deceased donors between March 2020 and December 2021 with a positive COVID nucleic acid test from respiratory tract within 14 days of transplantation were analyzed using the de-identified United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Donor and recipient characteristics of COVID-19 positive (COVID+) organs were compared to COVID-19 negative (COVID-) organs during this period. We analyzed the trends in the utilization of SOT from COVID+ donors across the United States, donor characteristics, and the quality of donor organ and recipient outcomes (length of hospitalization, rates of organ rejection, delayed graft function, 30-day graft/patient survival).

RESULTS

During the study period, 193 COVID+ donors led to the transplantation of 281-kidneys, 106-livers, and 36-hearts in 414 adult recipients. COVID+ patients donated a median of two organs. These donors were younger and had a lower median Kidney Donor Profile Index (0.37 vs. 0.50, p < .001), lower median serum creatinine (0.8 vs. 1.0 mg/dl, p = .003), similar median serum total bilirubin (0.6 mg/dl, p = .46), and similar left ventricular ejection fraction (60%, p = .84) when compared to COVID- donors. Short-term outcomes, including 30-day graft/patient survival, were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of short-term outcomes from the UNOS database indicates that a positive COVID test in an otherwise medically suitable donor should not preclude consideration of non-lung solid organ transplantation.

Organ transplantation using COVID-19-positive deceased donors

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced organ transplantation decision making. Opinions regarding the utilization of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) donors are mixed. We hypothesize that COVID-19 infection of deceased solid organ transplant donors does not affect recipient survival. All deceased solid organ transplant donors with COVID-19 testing results from March 15, 2020 to September 30, 2021 were identified in the OPTN database. Donors were matched to recipients and stratified by the COVID-19 test result. Outcomes were assessed between groups. COVID-19 test results were available for 17 694 donors; 150 were positive. A total of 269 organs were transplanted from these donors, including 187 kidneys, 57 livers, 18 hearts, 5 kidney-pancreases, and 2 lungs. The median time from COVID-19 testing to organ recovery was 4 days for positive and 3 days for negative donors. Of these, there were 8 graft failures (3.0%) and 5 deaths (1.9%). Survival of patients receiving grafts from COVID-19-positive donors is equivalent to those receiving grafts from COVID-19-negative donors (30-day patient survival = 99.2% COVID-19 positive; 98.6% COVID-19 negative). Solid organ transplantation using deceased donors with positive COVID-19 results does not negatively affect early patient survival, though little information regarding donor COVID-19 organ involvement is known. While transplantation is feasible, more information regarding COVID-19-positive donor selection is needed.

The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Solid Organ Transplantation: Two Years Into a Pandemic

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.

Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission Through Solid Organ Transplantation and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among Recent Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmissible through lung transplantation, and outcomes among infected organ recipients may be severe. Transmission risk to extrapulmonary organ recipients and recent (within 30 days of transplantation) SARS-CoV-2-infected recipient outcomes are unclear.

METHODS

During March 2020-March 2021, potential SARS-CoV-2 transmissions through solid organ transplantation were investigated. Assessments included SARS-CoV-2 testing, medical record review, determination of likely transmission route, and recent recipient outcomes.

RESULTS

During March 2020-March 2021, approximately 42 740 organs were transplanted in the United States. Forty donors, who donated 140 organs to 125 recipients, were investigated. Nine (23%) donors and 25 (20%) recipients were SARS-CoV-2 positive by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Most (22/25 [88%]) SARS-CoV-2-infected recipients had healthcare or community exposures. Nine SARS-CoV-2-infected donors donated 21 organs to 19 recipients. Of these, 3 lung recipients acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections from donors with negative SARS-CoV-2 testing of pretransplant upper respiratory tract specimens but from whom posttransplant lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Sixteen recipients of extrapulmonary organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors had no evidence of posttransplant COVID-19. All-cause mortality within 45 days after transplantation was 6-fold higher among SARS-CoV-2-infected recipients (9/25 [36%]) than those without (6/100 [6%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Transplant-transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is uncommon. Pretransplant NAAT of lung donor LRT specimens may prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through transplantation. Extrapulmonary organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors may be safely usable, although further study is needed. Reducing recent recipient exposures to SARS-CoV-2 should remain a focus of prevention.

Utilization of SARS-COV-2 positive donors and recipients for liver transplantation in the pandemic era - An evidence-based review

The current SARS-COV-2 pandemic led to a drastic drop in liver donation and transplantation in DDLT and LDLT settings. Living donations have decreased more than deceased organ donation due to the need to protect the interest of donors. In the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, major professional societies worldwide recommended against the use of organs from donors with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The basis for these recommendations are; SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted to the recipient through organ transplantation and can result in severe manifestations; only limited effective targeted therapies are available, risk of transmission to the healthcare professionals, logistical limitations, and ethical concerns. In addition, end-stage liver disease patients on the waiting list represent vulnerable populations and are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, deferring life-saving transplants from COVID-positive donors during a pandemic may lead to more collateral damage by causing disease progression, increased death, and dropout from the waitlist. As this SARS-COV-2 pandemic is likely to stay with us for some time, we have to learn to co-exist with it. We believe that utilizing organs from mild/ asymptomatic COVID19 positive donors may expand the organ donor pool and mitigate disruptions in transplantation services during this pandemic.

Bacterial and Viral Infections in Liver Transplantation: New Insights from Clinical and Surgical Perspectives

End-stage liver disease patients undergoing liver transplantation are prone to develop numerous infectious complications because of immunosuppression, surgical interventions, and malnutrition. Infections in transplant recipients account for the main cause of mortality and morbidity with rates of up to 80%. The challenges faced in the early post-transplant period tend to be linked to transplant procedures and nosocomial infections commonly in bloodstream, surgical, and intra-abdominal sites. Viral infections represent an additional complication of immunosuppression; they can be donor-derived, reactivated from a latent virus, nosocomial or community-acquired. Bacterial and viral infections in solid organ transplantation are managed by prophylaxis, multi-drug resistant screening, risk assessment, vaccination, infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. The aim of this review was to discuss the epidemiology of bacterial and viral infections in liver transplants, infection control issues, as well as surgical frontiers of ex situ liver perfusion.

Short-term kidney transplant outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 lower respiratory tract positive donors

Objective

In this study, we aim to assess short‐term allograft outcomes following deceased donor kidney transplantation from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) lower respiratory tract (LRT) nucleic acid testing (NAT) positive donors.

Methods

From September to December 2021, SARS‐CoV‐2 NAT positive organ donors, whose solid abdominal organs were transplanted at our academic medical center were identified. Donors were stratified into having tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 in an upper respiratory tract (URT) or LRT sample. For this study, the SARS‐CoV‐2 LRT NAT positive deceased kidney donors and their respective recipients were examined. Donor and recipient demographic data, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related history, patient outcomes, as well as postoperative graft function were evaluated.

Results

Thirteen SARS‐CoV‐2 positive deceased donors were identified. Of these, eight were LRT NAT positive and yielded nine kidneys. These allografts were successfully transplanted into vaccinated and unvaccinated recipients. All recipients received standard induction immunosuppression and did not receive any prophylactic therapy for SARS‐CoV‐2. Two recipients had delayed graft function. At 1‐month post‐transplant, there was no clinical evidence of donor‐derived COVID‐19 or graft loss, and all recipients were free from dialysis.

Conclusion

We describe the first case series of SARS‐CoV‐2 LRT NAT positive deceased kidney donors for vaccinated and unvaccinated recipients with excellent short‐term allograft outcomes and no clinical evidence of donor‐derived COVID‐19 post‐transplantation. Given the increasing prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the population, utilization of SARS‐CoV‐2 LRT NAT positive deceased donors could be considered an acceptable source of organs for renal transplantation, especially as multi‐center experiences and longer‐term follow‐up emerge.

Liver transplantation from active COVID-19 donors: is it ethically justifiable?

The debate on the opportunity to use organs from donors testing positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in recipients with naïve resolved or active COVID‐19 is ongoing. We aim to present the ethical analyses underlying the decision to perform liver transplantation (LT) in selected patients with resolved or active COVID‐19 in Italy. We used Jonsen, Siegler, and Winslade's Four‐Boxes casuistic method, addressing the four topics considered as constitutive of the essential structure of single clinical cases for their ethical analysis (medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features) to enable decision‐making on a case‐by‐case basis. Based on these topics, we elucidate the meaning and balance among the principles of biomedical ethics. Clinical ethics judgment based on the relation between the risk of acquiring SARS‐CoV‐2 along with its potentially negative effects and the expected benefits of transplant lead to consider LT as clinically appropriate. Shared decision‐making allows the integration of clinical options with the patient's subjective preferences and considerations, enabling a valid informed consent specifically tailored to the patients’ individual circumstances. The inclusion of carefully selected SARS‐CoV‐2 positive donors represents an opportunity to offer lifesaving LT to patients who might otherwise have limited opportunities to receive one. COVID‐19 positive donor livers are fairly allocated among equals, and respect for fundamental rights of the individual and the broader community in a context of healthcare rationing is guaranteed.The ethical analysis of the decision to perform LT in selected patients shows that the decision is ethically justifiable.

Solid organ transplantation from donors with recent or current SARS-CoV-2 infection: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Solid-organ transplantation (SOT) from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be a life-saving opportunity worth grasping. We perform a systematic review of SOT using SARS-CoV-2 positive donors.

METHODS

The search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and Web of Science databases, including studies conducted till the 31^th of December 2021 from SOT adult recipients from a donor with past or current SARS-CoV-2 infection. Outcomes were viral transmission, COVID-19 symptoms, mortality, hospital stay, and complications. PROSPERO Register Number: CRD42022303242 FINDINGS: Sixty-nine recipients received 48 kidneys, 18 livers and 3 hearts from 57 donors. Six additional transplants from positive lungs were identified. IgG + anti-SARS-CoV-2 titers were detected among 10/16 recipients; only 4% (3/69) recipients were vaccinated. Non-lung transplant recipients received organs from 10/57 (17.5%) donors with persistent COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected (median 32 Cycle threshold [Ct]) in 18/57, at procurement. Among non-lung transplant recipients, SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission was not documented. Four patients presented delayed graft dysfunction, two patients acute rejection, and two patients died of septic shock. The median (IQR) hospital stay was 18 (11-28) days in recipients from symptomatic donors. Viral transmission occurred from three lung donors to their recipients, who developed COVID-19 symptoms. One of the recipients subsequently died.

CONCLUSION

Use of non-lung (kidney, liver and heart) organs from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors seem to be a safe practice, with a low risk of transmission irrespective of the presence of symptoms at the time of procurement. Low viral replication (Ct > 30) was safe among non-lung donors, even if persistently symptomatic at procurement.

Immuno-Thrombotic Complications of COVID-19: Implications for Timing of Surgery and Anticoagulation

Early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global governing bodies prioritized transmissibility-based precautions and hospital capacity as the foundation for delay of elective procedures. As elective surgical volumes increased, convalescent COVID-19 patients faced increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and clinicians had limited evidence for stratifying individual risk in this population. Clear evidence now demonstrates that those recovering from COVID-19 have increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. These data-in conjunction with the recent American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines-offer the evidence necessary to expand the early pandemic guidelines and guide the surgeon's preoperative risk assessment. Here, we argue elective surgeries should still be delayed on a personalized basis to maximize postoperative outcomes. We outline a framework for stratifying the individual COVID-19 patient's fitness for surgery based on the symptoms and severity of acute or convalescent COVID-19 illness, coagulopathy assessment, and acuity of the surgical procedure. Although the most common manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is COVID-19 pneumonitis, every system in the body is potentially afflicted by an endotheliitis. This endothelial derangement most often manifests as a hypercoagulable state on admission with associated occult and symptomatic venous and arterial thromboembolisms. The delicate balance between hyper and hypocoagulable states is defined by the local immune-thrombotic crosstalk that results commonly in a hemostatic derangement known as fibrinolytic shutdown. In tandem, the hemostatic derangements that occur during acute COVID-19 infection affect not only the timing of surgical procedures, but also the incidence of postoperative hemostatic complications related to COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC). Traditional methods of thromboprophylaxis and treatment of thromboses after surgery require a tailored approach guided by an understanding of the pathophysiologic underpinnings of the COVID-19 patient. Likewise, a prolonged period of risk for developing hemostatic complications following hospitalization due to COVID-19 has resulted in guidelines from differing societies that recommend varying periods of delay following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, we propose the perioperative, personalized assessment of COVID-19 patients' CAC using viscoelastic hemostatic assays and fluorescent microclot analysis.

Seroconversion After Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation: Fact or Fancy?

Chronic liver disease increased the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Trials to assess efficacy/safety of COVID-19 vaccines in liver disease are underway. We evaluated the humoral immune response and safety of anti-COVID-19 vaccination among patients waiting liver transplantation (LT). We enrolled all pre-LT adults who completed anti-COVID-19 vaccination between January 2021-August 2021 as study group. Patients with histories of COVID-19 received 1 vaccine dose, and all others received 2 doses. Patients were tested for COVID-19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) within 1 and 2 months after vaccination. Safety was evaluated with telephone interviews/outpatient visits. A control group of 30 healthcare workers who underwent vaccination in January 2021 and tested for IgG after 4 months was included. In the 89 pre-LT patients, at T1 (23 days after vaccination), seroconversion rate was 94.4%, and median IgG value was 1980 binding antibody units/mL (interquartile range 646-2080), and at T2 (68 days after vaccination) was 92.0%, with IgG value of 1450 (577-2080); (T1 versus T2, P = 0.38). In the 10/89 patients who received 1 vaccine dose, the median IgG value was 274 (68-548) before vaccine (T0), 2080 (1165-2080) at T1, and 2030 (964-2080) at T2 (T0 versus T1, P = 0.03; T1 versus T2, P = 0.99). All controls tested positive at 4 months after vaccination, with a median value of 847 (509-1165; P < 0.001 versus T1 and P = 0.04 versus T2 in the study group). No serious adverse event was reported in both groups. Our data from 89 pre-LT patients suggest a high rate of immunization (94.4%) after a median time of 23 days from safe COVID-19 vaccine. None of the patients developed COVID-19.

Short-Term liver transplant outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 lower respiratory tract NAT positive donors

On April 2021, the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Executive Committee approved the "Lower Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Testing for Lung Donors" emergency policy upon recommendation from the Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee. This policy requires that all lung donors be tested for SARS-CoV-2 in a lower respiratory specimen by nucleic acid test and that the results be available before the lungs are transplanted. The overarching goal of the emergency policy was to minimize the risk of donor-derived COVID-19 to lung recipients. However, an unintended consequence of the policy was the emergence of a new population of potential donors: the SARS-CoV-2 lower respiratory tract nucleic acid test positive donor. We describe the use of two SARS-CoV-2 lower respiratory tract nucleic acid test positive liver donors without a known history of COVID-19 infection with adequate short-term outcomes. The recipients did not have a prior history of COVID-19, nor did they receive monoclonal antibodies post-transplantation; one was unvaccinated. If the safety and long-term outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 LRT NAT positive donors is confirmed in larger studies, this strategy represents a promising way to increase the pool for organ donation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.