Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Murine Kidney Transplant Technique
Published on: October 20, 2015
Kidney Transplantation and COVID-19: Two Case Reports
Sabri Tekin1, Hatice Özdoğan2, Mustafa Kemal Demir3
1Department of Organ Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, İstanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Immunocompromised populations are at great risk of the current 2020 global emergency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and treatment of kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 is currently not declared. Hence, the purpose of the study is to set a clear treatment regimen. We report here a therapeutic course of 2 patients who underwent transplant surgery in March 2020 and got infected soon after. Since the transplant, these 2 patients have received triple maintenance immunosuppressive therapy with oral tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone, and they have been regularly followed up at our hospital. The tacrolimus trough level was between 10 and 12 ng/mL. After the diagnosis of COVID-19, MMF was stopped and the tacrolimus dose was reduced so that blood level was between 4 and 6 ng/mL. The first patient was a 30-year-old man who, despite being treated with hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, oseltamivir, and azithromycin therapy, died because of the presence of other comorbidities. The second case was a 58-year-old man who fully recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia with treatment with methylprednisolone, MMF, azithromycin, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, and reduction in immunosuppression dosage. This reflects the importance of using glucocorticoids in the treatment of COVID-19 along with other medications and the decreased mortality rate associated with their use.
Insights
Treatment of kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 is challenging. This study highlights the importance of adjusting immunosuppression and using glucocorticoids, showing potential for improved outcomes in these immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Immunocompromised patients, including kidney transplant recipients, face severe risks from COVID-19.
- Established treatment guidelines for COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients are lacking.
Observation:
- Two kidney transplant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 shortly after surgery were treated.
- Both patients were on triple immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone).
- Immunosuppression was reduced (MMF stopped, tacrolimus dose decreased) upon COVID-19 diagnosis.
Findings:
- One patient died due to comorbidities despite antiviral and antibiotic treatment.
- The second patient recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia with methylprednisolone, MMF, and antivirals, alongside reduced immunosuppression.
- Glucocorticoid use was associated with decreased mortality in COVID-19 treatment.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the critical need for tailored COVID-19 treatment protocols for kidney transplant recipients.
- Adjusting immunosuppressive therapy and incorporating glucocorticoids may be beneficial in managing COVID-19 in transplant patients.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal therapeutic strategies for this high-risk group.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

