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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform
Published on: April 12, 2021
[Management of immunocompromised renal transplant patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019]
Rui Hu1, Wenlong Qiu1, Xihong Zhao2
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital, 835000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
Insights
This case study details the successful treatment of a renal transplant patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Management involved adjusting immunosuppressants and utilizing antiviral therapies for immunocompromised hosts.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Renal transplant recipients are immunocompromised, increasing vulnerability to severe infections like COVID-19.
- Management of COVID-19 in transplant patients requires careful consideration of immunosuppression and potential organ dysfunction.
Observation:
- A 3-year post-renal transplant patient presented with moderate fever, cough, and fatigue, progressing to severe lung involvement ('white lung') and organ insufficiency.
- Treatment involved reducing immunosuppressants, increasing glucocorticoids, dialysis for renal insufficiency, antiviral medications, and immune-boosting therapies.
Findings:
- COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients shares clinical similarities with the general population but carries a higher risk of organ dysfunction.
- Successful clinical recovery was achieved through a multi-faceted treatment approach.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of tailored management strategies for COVID-19 in renal transplant patients.
- Further research is needed to optimize immunosuppressant adjustments, organ support, and therapeutic interventions for severe COVID-19 in this population.
Objective:
To analyze the treatment process of a renal transplant patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and discuss the management strategy for the immunocompromised hosts.
Methods:
The diagnosis and treatment of a case of transplant patients with COVID-19 admitted to Horgos designated hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in October 2021 were reviewed. The medical history and laboratory and imaging examination treatment and outcome of this case were analyzed.
Results:
The recipient was a middle-aged male with a time from renal transplantation of 3 years. The onset was moderate to low fever, accompanied by cough and fatigue. Chest CT showed multiple ground glass shadows under the pleura of both lungs, mainly in both lower lungs, gradually worsening until "white lung" appeared, with early renal and cardiac insufficiency. In the course of treatment, immunosuppressants were reduced and the dosage of glucocorticoid was increased. In the early stage, due to renal insufficiency and hyperkalemia, dialysis was conducted for 3 times. Oral abidol and Lianhua Qingwen capsule were given as antiviral and anti-infection treatment. Special immunoglobulin and convalescent plasma of COVID-19 were used to boost the immunity of patients. The patient was eventually clinically cured.
Conclusions:
The clinical manifestations and diagnosis of COVID-19 for the kidney transplantation recipient are not significantly different from other populations, but immunocompromised hosts are more likely to suffer from organ dysfunction. The adjustment of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids, respiratory support, selection of antibiotics, organ protection, nutritional support and traditional Chinese medicine intervention in the treatment of renal transplant recipients with severe COVID-19 need further discussion.
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