PASC in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Self-reported SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Transplant Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) present long-term cognitive, mental, and physical symptoms.
• Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are a vulnerable population for PASC.
• Understanding PASC symptom frequency in SOT recipients is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the frequency of PASC symptoms in SOT recipients.
• To compare PASC symptom frequency between hospitalized and non-hospitalized SOT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 111 SOT recipients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was conducted.
• Seven standardized questionnaires assessed PASC symptoms, cognitive function, quality of life, and physical health.
• Data were analyzed to compare outcomes based on hospitalization status during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

• High frequencies of PASC symptoms were reported, including trauma (53%), cognitive decline (50%), and fatigue (41%).
• Hospitalized SOT recipients showed significantly poorer outcomes in cognition, quality of life, physical health, respiratory status, and pain.
• Long-term symptoms such as abnormal breathing (42%) and dysgeusia (34%) persisted beyond six months post-infection.

Conclusions:

• SOT recipients exhibit a high burden of PASC symptoms.
• Hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates PASC in SOT recipients.
• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing PASC in SOT recipients.