Science and Research

COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients-Risk prediction and outcomes

Patients after lung transplantation are at risk for life-threatening infections. Recently, several publications on COVID-19 outcomes in this patient population appeared, but knowledge on optimal treatment, mortality, outcomes, and appropriate risk predictors is limited. A retrospective analysis was performed in a German high-volume lung transplant center between 19th March 2020 and 18th May 2021. Impact of COVID-19 on physical and psychological health, clinical outcomes, and mortality were analyzed including follow-up visits up to 12 weeks after infection in survivors. Predictive parameters on survival were assessed using univariate and multivariate proportional hazards regression models. Out of 1,046 patients in follow-up, 31 acquired COVID-19 during the pandemic. 12 of 31 (39%) died and 26 (84%) were hospitalized. In survivors a significant decline in exercise capacity (p = 0.034), TLC (p = 0.02), and DLCO (p = 0.007) was observed at follow-up after 3 months. Anxiety, depression, and self-assessed quality of life remained stable. Charlson comorbidity index predicted mortality (HR 1.5, 1.1-2.2; p = 0.023). In recipients with pre-existing CLAD, mortality and clinical outcomes were inferior. However, pre-existing CLAD did not predict mortality. COVID-19 remains a life-threatening disease for lung transplant recipients, particularly in case comorbidities. Further studies on long term outcomes and impact on pre-existing CLAD are needed.

  • Kamp, J. C.
  • Hinrichs, J. B.
  • Fuge, J.
  • Ewen, R.
  • Gottlieb, J.

Keywords

  • Adult
  • COVID-19/*epidemiology
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation/*statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Transplant Recipients/*statistics & numerical data
Publication details
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257807
Journal: PLoS One
Pages: e0257807 
Number: 10
Work Type: Original
Location: BREATH
Disease Area: PALI, ROR
Partner / Member: MHH
Access-Number: 34613977

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