COVID-19 positive donor for solid organ transplantation

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Virology
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global organ donation and transplantation practices.
• Uncertainty surrounding SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes led to restrictions on using organs from infected donors.
• International guidelines initially advised against organs from SARS-CoV-2 positive deceased donors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide expert opinion on utilizing organs from deceased donors with active or resolved SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To address the need for standardized acceptance patterns in organ transplantation during the evolving pandemic.
• To explore the safety and feasibility of transplanting non-lung organs from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and expert consensus on SARS-CoV-2 transmission via organ donation.
• Analysis of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in lung transplantation.
• Consideration of donor and recipient immunity (natural or vaccine-induced) in risk assessment.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 transmission through organ donation has primarily been reported in lung transplantation.
• Non-lung organs from donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection appear safe for short-term follow-up.
• Transplantation from infected donors may be considered for recipients with limited options or specific immunity.

Conclusions:

• Transplanting organs from deceased donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection is a viable option, particularly for non-lung organs.
• Careful donor selection and recipient assessment, considering immunity, are crucial.
• Further research and standardized protocols are needed to optimize organ utilization during the pandemic.