The course of COVID-19 in kidney transplant patients and review of the literature

It was aimed to investigate the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with kidney transplants in a single center. Nine COVID-19 patients with kidney transplants were evaluated concerning demographic, physician examination, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and outcome. Patients’ mean age was 50.7±9.22 years. Of nine patients, five (55.6%) were male. As accompanying disorders, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were present in two (22.2%) and seven patients (77.8%), respectively. Four (44.4%) patients required hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean length of stay in ICU was 1.67±2.5 days. While three (33.3%) were required for non-invasive mechanical ventilation, four (44.4%) patients needed to be supported with invasive mechanical ventilation. Although five patients (55.6%) were discharged with recovery, four (44.4%) died. In kidney transplant patients, COVID-19 has a high mortality rate. Close follow-up and early treatment of these patients are important.

Keywords: COVID-19, kidney transplantation, mortality