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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Murine Kidney Transplant Technique
Published on: October 20, 2015
COVID-19 Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Centre Study from Northern India
Suraj Godara1, Karan Kumar Saraf2, T C Sadasukhi2
1Department of Nephrology, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Insights
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 due to immunosuppression. This study found a 14.5% mortality rate in KTRs, highlighting the need for vigilant management of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses significant global health risks.
- Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are uniquely vulnerable due to their immunosuppressed status and comorbidities.
- Understanding COVID-19 outcomes in KTRs is crucial for managing this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients.
- To assess the severity, treatment modalities, and mortality rates of COVID-19 in KTRs.
- To compare COVID-19 outcomes in KTRs with the general population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted at a single center.
- Included kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 between April and November 2020.
- Data collected on demographics, symptoms, disease severity, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 62 KTRs tested positive for COVID-19, with a median age of 39.
- Fever was the most common symptom; 27.4% experienced severe disease.
- The mortality rate among KTRs in this study was 14.5%.
Conclusions:
- KTRs are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and higher mortality compared to the general population.
- COVID-19 symptoms in KTRs are similar to those in the general population.
- Immunosuppression management, including dose reduction, was a key treatment strategy.
Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pre-immunosuppressed state along with other existing co-morbidities can influence the outcomes of COVID-19 in transplant patients.
Material And Methods:
This was a single centre prospective cohort study done in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), who underwent kidney transplantation (from December 2012 to November 2020), who were actively followed up at our centre and were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease between 1 April and 30 November 2020.
Results:
A total of 62 kidney-transplant recipients tested positive for COVID-19. Their median age was 39 (19-61). Males were predominantly infected (87.1%). Fever was the most common symptom (77.42%). Thirteen (20.9%) had mild form of disease, 32 (51.6%) had moderate form and 17 (27.4%) had severe disease. Based on initial symptom, 18 (29.03%) were given home treatment, 29 (46.7%) were treated in isolation wards and 15 (24.1%) were treated in intensive care unit. Decrease in the dose of immunosuppressant (anti-metabolites in 67.7%, calcineurin inhibitor in 22.5%) was predominantly carried out as the initial mode of treatment. Remdesivir in 64.5% and anticoagulant therapy in 54.84% were given as a modality of treatment. Mortality rate in our study was 14.5%.
Conclusions:
Patients of kidney transplant are at high risk of getting infected with COVID-19, due to their immunosuppressed state. Initial symptoms in KTRs with COVID-19 are similar to that of the general population. Mortality rate is comparatively higher in KTRs as compared to general population.
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