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How COVID-19 Affects Lung Transplantation: A Comprehensive Review
Jiri Vachtenheim1, Rene Novysedlak1, Monika Svorcova1
1Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 24, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted lung transplantation (LuTx), reducing activity and increasing waitlist mortality. Research explored the effects of immunosuppressants on COVID-19 severity in LuTx patients.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Transplantation
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lung transplant (LuTx) recipients face heightened COVID-19 risks.
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lung transplantation services globally.
- Concerns arose regarding donor organ transmission and utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung transplantation.
- To analyze the impact of immunosuppressive agents on COVID-19 severity in LuTx recipients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of pandemic-related impacts on LuTx activity.
- Examination of immunosuppressive drug interactions with COVID-19 treatments.
Main Results:
- Lung transplantation activity declined, with restrictions to urgent cases and ICU capacity issues.
- Donor screening intensified, but concerns about organ loss and increased waitlist mortality emerged.
- COVID-19-associated ARDS became a lung transplant indication.
- Immunosuppressive drug effects varied; tacrolimus levels rose with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Monoclonal antibodies reduced hospitalization risk in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic profoundly affected LuTx programs, necessitating adaptive strategies.
- Further research is crucial to understand drug interactions between anti-COVID-19 therapies and immunosuppressants in transplant patients.
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