Renal involvement in COVID-19: focus on kidney transplant sector

Introduction Kidney transplant recipients and patients on the waiting list for kidney transplant who acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection are at serious risk of developing severe COVID-19, with an increased risk of mortality for the their immunosuppressive state; other risk factors for mortality have been identified in some comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, asthma and chronic lung disease. Materials and Methods The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sharp reduction in kidney transplants in most countries, mainly due to the concern of patients on the waiting list for their potential increased susceptibility to acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare facilities and for the difficulties of transplant centers to ensure full activity as hospitals have had to focus most of their attention on COVID-19 patients. Indeed, while the infection curve continued its exponential rise, there was a vertical decline in kidney donation/transplant activity. Conclusion This review article focuses on the damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection on kidney and on the adverse effect of this pandemic on the entire kidney transplant sector.

Automated summary

Kidney transplant recipients and patients on the waiting list face serious risks of developing severe COVID-19 if infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to their immunosuppressive state. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced kidney transplants globally, as transplant centers struggle to maintain full activity amidst the focus on COVID-19 patients.