The impact of COVID-19 on kidney transplant care

The SARS-CoV-2 virus precipitated the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which placed considerable strain on healthcare systems and necessitated immediate and rapid alterations in the delivery of healthcare. In the transplant population, COVID-19 directly impacts an inherently vulnerable population in the setting of immunosuppression and co-morbidities, but also further complicates the clinical evaluation and management of kidney transplant candidates and recipients in a strained healthcare environment being challenged by the pandemic. Many transplant centers around the world saw mortality rate spikes in organ recipients related to COVID-19, and changes in care delivery abound. This review evaluates the care of the kidney transplant patient through all phases of the process including pre-operative evaluations, perioperative care, post-transplantation considerations, and how the global pandemic has changed the way we care for our patients.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This has particularly affected the vulnerable transplant population, adding complexity to the evaluation and management of kidney transplant candidates and recipients. Many transplant centers have experienced higher mortality rates and changes in care delivery due to COVID-19. This review examines the care of kidney transplant patients across all phases of the process and how the pandemic has influenced patient care.