4.2 Editorial Material

Executive summary of the consensus statement of the group for the study of infection in transplantation and other immunocompromised host (GESITRA-IC) of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) on the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients

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Remdesivir Resistance in Transplant Recipients With Persistent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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Alternative strategies to increase the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in kidney transplant recipients not responding to two or three doses of an mRNA vaccine (RECOVAC): a randomised clinical trial

Marcia M. L. Kho et al.

Summary: This study aimed to compare three alternative strategies for improving the COVID-19 vaccine response in kidney transplant recipients: double vaccine dose, heterologous vaccination, and temporary discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid. The results showed that repeated vaccination increased SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in kidney transplant recipients, but higher dose, heterologous vaccine, or discontinuation of immunosuppressants did not further enhance the response.

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Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Dosage Adjustments of Immunosuppressive Drugs When Combined With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in Patients With COVID-19

Florian Lemaitre et al.

Summary: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) is a combination of a peptidomimetic inhibitor (nirmatrelvir) and a pharmacokinetic enhancer (ritonavir) that is approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The ritonavir component of this combination can cause significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) by inhibiting the metabolism of nirmatrelvir. This may lead to higher plasma concentrations of nirmatrelvir and a longer half-life. Co-administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) is particularly challenging due to the involvement of the same metabolic pathway and the increased risk of adverse drug reactions.

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AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2023)

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Successful Treatment of Prolonged, Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Lower Respiratory Tract Disease in a B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Patient With an Extended Course of Remdesivir and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir

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The rapid rise of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants with immune evasion properties: XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1 subvariants

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Durability of immune responses to mRNA booster vaccination against COVID-19

Prabhu S. Arunachalam et al.

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Severe relapse of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a kidney transplant recipient with negative nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR after rituximab

Antoine Morel et al.

Summary: Immunocompromised patients may experience prolonged viral shedding after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, symptomatic relapses after remission currently remain rare. We herein describe a severe COVID-19 relapse case of a kidney transplant recipient (KTR) following rituximab therapy, 3 months after a moderate COVID-19 infection, despite viral clearance after recovery of the first episode. The diagnosis was established on a broncho-alveolar lavage specimen (BAL) by RT-PCR and confirmed on a cell culture assay. Whole genome sequencing revealed an identical strain (Clade 20A) with acquired mutations located within the N-terminal domain, which may play a role in viral entry. The diagnosis of COVID-19 relapse should be considered in unexplained persistent fever and/or respiratory symptoms in KTRs, especially those who have received rituximab therapy, even with previous negative naso-pharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR results.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Katalin Martits-Chalangari et al.

Summary: An unvaccinated adult male heart transplant recipient with severe COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant was successfully treated with ALVR109, leading to significant clinical and virologic improvements.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Brian T. Garibaldi et al.

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Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Acquisition Is Associated With Individual Exposure but Not Community-Level Transmission

Deanna J. Friedman-Klabanoff et al.

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JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

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Eduardo Ramacciotti et al.

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George Cholankeril et al.

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Molnupiravir for Oral Treatment of Covid-19 in Nonhospitalized Patients

A. Jayk Bernal et al.

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NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

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Oral Nirmatrelvir for High-Risk, Nonhospitalized Adults with Covid-19

Jennifer Hammond et al.

Summary: In high-risk, unvaccinated adults, treatment of Covid-19 with nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, with good safety profile.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

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R. L. Gottlieb et al.

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NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

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Homologous and Heterologous Covid-19 Booster Vaccinations

R. L. Atmar et al.

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NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

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Infection or a third dose of mRNA vaccine elicits neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplant recipients

Xavier Charmetant et al.

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Shyam B. Bansal et al.

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Simple Vaccination Is not Enough for the Transplant Recipient

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Karin van den Berg et al.

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Shan Wang et al.

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Divergent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-reactive T and B cell responses in COVID-19 vaccine recipients

Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel et al.

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Outcomes of SOT Recipients With COVID-19 in Different Eras of COVID-19 Therapeutics

Afrah S. Sait et al.

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Prolonged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 persistence, attenuated immunologic response, and viral evolution in a solid organ transplant patient

Lawrence J. Purpura et al.

Summary: In immunosuppressed patients, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be prolonged, leading to potential viral evolution. Immune response peaks around days 44-72 after diagnosis but wanes over time, allowing for increased viral genetic diversity and the emergence of variants.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Incidence, Clinical Presentation, Relapses and Outcome of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection in Patients Treated With Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies

Jorge Calderon-Parra et al.

Summary: A retrospective cohort study of 422 patients under anti-CD20 treatment found that patients infected with COVID-19 within 6 months post-treatment had higher rates of hospital admission, mortality, and relapse, as well as longer infectivity of the virus.

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Early clinical experience with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for the treatment of COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients

David M. Salerno et al.

Summary: The use of Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NR) in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with mild COVID-19 has not been described yet. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes among SOTRs and describe the drug-drug interaction of NR. The results show that the clinically significant interaction between NR and immunosuppressive agents can be reasonably managed with a standardized dosing protocol.

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Real-world experience with available, outpatient COVID-19 therapies in solid organ transplant recipients during the omicron surge

Christopher Radcliffe et al.

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Heterologous Ad.26.COV2.S versus homologous BNT162b2/mRNA-1273 as a third dose in solid organ transplant recipients seronegative after two-dose mRNA vaccination

Teresa P. Y. Chiang et al.

Summary: Heterologous vaccination for the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has the potential to improve antibody responses in solid organ transplant recipients. This study compared the immunogenicity and tolerability of homologous and heterologous vaccination in SOTRs. The results showed that heterologous vaccination was comparable to homologous vaccination in terms of seroconversion and development of high-titers, and there were no significant differences in immune events or reactogenicity between the two platforms.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Impact of Vaccination and Early Monoclonal Antibody Therapy on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outcomes in Organ Transplant Recipients During the Omicron Wave

Javier T. Solera et al.

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COVID-19 and kidney transplantation: the impact of remdesivir on renal function and outcome - a retrospective cohort study

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Summary: This study evaluated the impact of remdesivir on COVID-19 hospitalized patients who received kidney transplants. The results showed a significant reduction in ICU mortality in the remdesivir group, with no difference in overall mortality. Additionally, remdesivir appeared to have no adverse effects on renal function.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

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Simone Cesaro et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe outcomes in immunocompromised hematological patients, with high mortality rates observed. Treatment strategies focus on controlling viral replication and inflammation. However, the effectiveness and benefits of preventive and therapeutic measures in hematological patients require further investigation.

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Early Outpatient Treatment for Covid-19 with Convalescent Plasma

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Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma in symptomatic adults and found that receiving convalescent plasma transfusion reduced the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19-related reasons.

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Effect of mRNA Vaccine Boosters against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection in Qatar

L. J. Abu-Raddad et al.

Summary: A study in Qatar showed that booster vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of infection with the omicron variant, providing strong protection against Covid-19-related hospitalization and death. Booster effectiveness was observed for both mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, with lower infection rates and reduced severity of cases among those who received the booster dose.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

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Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Unvaccinated Compared With Vaccinated Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Propensity Matched Cohort Study

Victoria G. Hall et al.

Summary: This study examines the outcomes and severity of COVID-19 infection in solid organ transplant recipients who have been vaccinated. The findings suggest that vaccinated patients who develop breakthrough infections have similar disease severity to unvaccinated patients. This highlights the importance of alternative strategies for this population, considering the need for multiple vaccine doses in SOT recipients.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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Breakthrough Infections Following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Auxiliadora Mazuecos et al.

Summary: The clinical effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients is lower than in the general population. Despite receiving 2 doses of the mRNA vaccine, the severity of COVID-19 remains high in KT patients. KT patients vaccinated with mRNA-1273 vaccine show higher clinical effectiveness in breakthrough infections.

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Enhanced Humoral Immune Response After COVID-19 Vaccination in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients on Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate Mofetil-containing Immunosuppressive Regimens

Silke E. de Boer et al.

Summary: Elderly kidney transplant recipients have a low immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, but an adjusted immunosuppressive regimen can improve the humoral response.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

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A Fourth Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Does Not Induce Neutralization of the Omicron Variant Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Suboptimal Vaccine Response

Andrew H. Karaba et al.

Summary: Humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccines are attenuated in solid organ transplant recipients. Additional vaccine doses can increase neutralizing capacity against multiple variants of concern, but the neutralization effect against the Omicron variant is poor.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Article Virology

Bacterial and fungal co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 in solid organ recipients: a retrospective study

Mojtaba Shafiekhani et al.

Summary: The presence of bacterial or fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased mortality, and solid organ recipients are more susceptible to these co-infections. Urine and sputum are the most common sites for pathogen isolation, with vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Escherichia coli being the main pathogens. Prior hospitalization and high doses of corticosteroids are associated with co-infections.

VIROLOGY JOURNAL (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Serological Response to Three, Four and Five Doses of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Bilgin Osmanodja et al.

Summary: High mortality and impaired response to COVID-19 vaccinations are observed in kidney transplant recipients. Retrospective analysis shows that up to five doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induce serological response in these patients, especially when mycophenolic acid (MPA) is paused.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE (2022)

Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

Temporary antimetabolite treatment hold boosts SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-specific humoral and cellular immunity in kidney transplant recipients

Eva Schrezenmeier et al.

Summary: Transplant recipients may have impaired immunity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination due to immunosuppression caused by mycophenolate (MPA). Temporary MPA hold has been shown to greatly improve the outcomes of booster vaccination in these patients.

JCI INSIGHT (2022)

Article Surgery

An additional dose of viral vector COVID-19 vaccine and mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial (CVIM 4 study)

Jackrapong Bruminhent et al.

Summary: In kidney transplant recipients, the immunogenicity following an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine was investigated. The study found that there were no significant differences in immune responses between recipients of mRNA vaccines and viral vector vaccines, indicating both types of vaccines were effective in eliciting immunity in this population.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Article Surgery

COVID-19 therapeutics and outcomes among solid organ transplant recipients during the Omicron BA.1 era

Jessica Hedvat et al.

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes of novel COVID-19 therapeutics in solid organ transplant recipients. The results showed that patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or sotrovimab had a lower risk of hospitalization or death within 30 days compared to those who received no specific treatment.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Review Infectious Diseases

Long and persistent COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies: from bench to bedside

Justin C. Laracy et al.

Summary: Persistent COVID-19 infection is a unique concern in patients with hematologic malignancies, characterized by chronic protracted illness with respiratory symptoms fluctuating or worsening, and prolonged viral shedding. Patients with lymphoid malignancies may serve as partially immune reservoirs for the generation of immune-evasive viral escape mutants.

CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Management of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus interaction in kidney transplant recipients infected by COVID-19: a three-case series

Carlos Guzman Cordero et al.

Summary: This study describes the management of the drug-drug interaction between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus. The results demonstrate that this interaction does not have a negative impact on renal function and transplant rejection.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY (2022)

Article Infectious Diseases

Early remdesivir to prevent severe COVID-19 in recipients of solid organ transplant: a real-life study from Northern Italy

Marta Colaneri et al.

Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of pre-emptive remdesivir in reducing hospitalization rate and preventing clinical worsening in COVID-19 patients who received solid organ transplant.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

Article Infectious Diseases

Real-world effectiveness of early remdesivir and sotrovimab in the highest-risk COVID-19 outpatients during the Omicron surge

Nicholas Piccicacco et al.

Summary: This study found that high-risk COVID-19 outpatients who received early treatment with remdesivir or sotrovimab had significantly lower likelihoods of hospitalization and/or emergency department visits.

JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY (2022)

Letter Urology & Nephrology

Use of remdesivir in kidney transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection

Judit Cacho et al.

KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Mask wearing in community settings reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission

Gavin Leech et al.

Summary: The effectiveness of mask wearing in controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. While there is evidence of reduced disease transmission in healthcare settings, studies conducted in community settings have reported inconsistent results. This study directly analyzes the impact of mask wearing on transmission by linking reported mask wearing levels to reported cases in various regions. The findings suggest that the observed level of mask wearing is associated with a 19% decrease in the reproduction number R.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Incidence of Viral Rebound After Treatment With Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Molnupiravir

Grace Lai-Hung Wong et al.

Summary: This cohort study examined the incidence of viral rebound in patients with COVID-19 treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir. The results showed that viral rebound was uncommon in patients receiving oral antivirals and was not associated with increased risk of mortality.

JAMA NETWORK OPEN (2022)

Article Immunology

The Mycophenolate-based Immunosuppressive Regimen Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Kidney Transplant Patients With COVID-19

Lucio R. Requiao-Moura et al.

Summary: In kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19, the use of MPA as an immunosuppressive drug is associated with a higher risk of death, while the use of mTORi is associated with a lower risk of death.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Article Immunology

Preliminary Clinical Experience of Molnupiravir to Prevent Progression of COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Miguel Villamarin et al.

Summary: The study suggests that kidney transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with molnupiravir have a good clinical progression with a probable lower risk for hospitalization and no adverse effects. At the renal level, molnupiravir was well tolerated, with no evidence of nephrotoxicity secondary to the drug nor interactions with the immunosuppressive therapy.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Review Immunology

Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Response in Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Jiajing Li et al.

Summary: This study aims to assess the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccination in organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The results show that the seroconversion rate is significantly lower in transplant recipients compared to healthy controls, and immunosuppressants are the main risk factors associated with seroconversion failure.

TRANSPLANTATION (2022)

Article Critical Care Medicine

Efficacy and safety of intramuscular administration of tixagevimab-cilgavimab for early outpatient treatment of COVID-19 (TACKLE): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Hugh Montgomery et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of tixagevimab-cilgavimab in preventing severe COVID-19 or death in non-hospitalized adults. The results showed that a single dose of tixagevimab-cilgavimab significantly reduced the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 or death, with favorable safety.

LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE (2022)

Review Surgery

Immunocompromised Patients with Protracted COVID-19: a Review of Long Persisters

Veronica Dioverti et al.

Summary: Protracted COVID-19 is an uncharacterized syndrome affecting patients with B-cell depletion; our proposed diagnostic approach and definitions will inform much needed future research.

CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Safety, immunogenicity and antibody persistence of a bivalent Beta-containing booster vaccine against COVID-19: a phase 2/3 trial

Spyros Chalkias et al.

Summary: The study suggests that a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as a booster can induce potent and broad antibody responses against multiple viral variants, providing a new tool to respond to emerging variants.

NATURE MEDICINE (2022)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Rebound of SARS-CoV-2 Infection after Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Treatment

Michael E. Charness et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2022)

Article Immunology

Remdesivir in Solid Organ Recipients for COVID-19 Pneumonia

Dorottya Fesu et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of remdesivir (RDV) therapy in infected hospitalized solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. The results showed that RDV treatment was safe for SOT patients but had significantly worse clinical outcomes compared to non-transplanted individuals.

TRANSPLANTATION PROCEEDINGS (2022)

Article Virology

Molnupiravir When Used Alone Seems to Be Safe and Effective as Outpatient COVID-19 Therapy for Hemodialyzed Patients and Kidney Transplant Recipients

Pawel Poznanski et al.

Summary: This study presents the results of outpatient molnupiravir use in kidney transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients during the first months of 2022 in Poland. The findings suggest that molnupiravir therapy alone may be safe and effective early after the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patient populations. Further investigations are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

VIRUSES-BASEL (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Analysis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-neutralizing antibody titers in different vaccinated and unvaccinated convalescent plasma sources

David J. Sullivan et al.

Summary: The study suggests that convalescent plasma has a high neutralizing effect against the Omicron variant, while vaccinated individuals also show good neutralizing effects. These findings have implications for both previous CCP stocks and future plans to restart CCP collections.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2022)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Molnupiravir Outpatient Treatment for Adults with COVID-19 in a Real-World Setting-A Single Center Experience

Kinga Czarnecka et al.

Summary: This study assessed the hospitalization and death rates in high-risk severe COVID-19 patients treated with molnupiravir. The results showed no serious adverse events during treatment, with some patients still requiring hospitalization and a small number dying from COVID-19 complications. Age, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease were significantly correlated with a severe course of COVID-19. Molnupiravir may be an alternative treatment for immunosuppressed and advanced chronic kidney disease patients, but further research is needed to establish its role in COVID-19 treatment.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE (2022)

Article Immunology

Early Outpatient Treatment With Remdesivir in Patients at High Risk for Severe COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study

Sandra Rajme-Lopez et al.

Summary: This study assessed the clinical effectiveness of early remdesivir treatment among high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The results showed that treatment with remdesivir significantly reduced the odds of hospitalization or death.

OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Remdesivir in Patients With Severe Kidney Dysfunction A Secondary Analysis of the CATCO Randomized Trial

Matthew Cheng et al.

JAMA NETWORK OPEN (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Safety Profile and Outcomes of Early COVID-19 Treatments in Immunocompromised Patients: A Single-Centre Cohort Study

Simona Biscarini et al.

Summary: This retrospective study assessed the safety and clinical outcomes of early treatment with RMD or mAbs in immunocompromised patients. The results showed minimal adverse drug reactions and favorable treatment outcomes for immunocompromised patients treated with RMD and mAbs.

BIOMEDICINES (2022)

Article Urology & Nephrology

Safety, Efficacy, and Relapse of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir in Kidney Transplant Recipients Infected With SARS-CoV-2

Arnaud Devresse et al.

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of NR in kidney transplant recipients. Among the 14 participants, NR treatment resulted in a significant decrease in SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, although there was individual variability. Two cases of early relapse were observed after NR treatment. Therefore, the use of NR requires strict drug adaptation and monitoring.

KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS (2022)

Article Immunology

Tocilizumab for Treatment of Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19

Emily C. Somers et al.

Summary: In mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, the use of IL-6 blockade with tocilizumab was associated with lower mortality despite higher occurrence of superinfections.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Article Immunology

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Solid Organ Transplant: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Olivia S. Kates et al.

Summary: The mortality rate among SOT recipients hospitalized for COVID-19 was 20.5%, with age and underlying comorbidities being the major drivers of mortality, rather than measures related to immunosuppression intensity.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Article Surgery

Liver transplantation in a patient after COVID-19-Rapid loss of antibodies and prolonged viral RNA shedding

Hanno Niess et al.

Summary: Currently, there is limited understanding of the duration and effectiveness of immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as potential adverse late effects. This uncertainty raises questions about the safety of offering liver transplantation to patients who have recovered from COVID-19. In this case report, successful liver transplantation was performed shortly after recovery, but partial seroreversion and prolonged shedding of viral RNA were observed.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Urology & Nephrology

Use and Safety of Remdesivir in Kidney Transplant Recipients With COVID-19

Anna Buxeda et al.

Summary: In this study, an investigation was conducted on the use of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation, showing that remdesivir performed well in terms of safety, with most patients tolerating the treatment without significant adverse events. However, the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients aged 65 and older, highlighting the need for caution in treating this particular group of patients.

KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS (2021)

Article Immunology

Treatment of immunocompromised COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma

Monica Fung et al.

Summary: Convalescent plasma treatment appears to be safe and potentially beneficial for immunosuppressed patients with COVID-19, as evidenced by clinical improvements in patients who received this therapy. Further data is needed to determine the efficacy of convalescent plasma as a primary or adjunctive therapy for COVID-19, especially for immunocompromised patients.

TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2021)

Article Immunology

Successful recovery from COVID-19 in three kidney transplant recipients who received convalescent plasma therapy

Syed Naeem et al.

Summary: COVID-19 is a highly infectious viral disease that can be more severe in patients with underlying medical conditions. This study showed that kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 could recover after receiving CCP therapy. Further research is needed to explore the clinical outcomes associated with CCP use in this population.

TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2021)

Review Allergy

Risk factors for severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients: A review

Ya-dong Gao et al.

Summary: The severity factors of COVID-19 include age, gender, underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and immunodeficiency, which may lead to complications like acute kidney injury. Various laboratory indicators and parameters can help monitor disease progression, while socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and quality of healthcare also play a role in individual outcomes.

ALLERGY (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Tofacitinib reduced death or respiratory failure at 28 d in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia

Steven Y. C. Tong et al.

ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE (2021)

Review Surgery

Impact of COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients

Lara Danziger-Isakov et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a significant impact on organ transplantation globally, leading to decreased donations and increased pressure due to limited medical resources.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Early High-Titer Plasma Therapy to Prevent Severe Covid-19 in Older Adults

R. Libster et al.

Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of convalescent plasma with high IgG titers against SARS-CoV-2 in older adult patients within 72 hours after the onset of mild Covid-19 symptoms found that early administration of high-titer convalescent plasma reduced the progression of Covid-19 in mildly ill infected older adults.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Baricitinib plus Remdesivir for Hospitalized Adults with Covid-19

A. C. Kalil et al.

Summary: Combination treatment with baricitinib plus remdesivir was superior to remdesivir alone in reducing recovery time and accelerating improvement in clinical status among patients with Covid-19, notably among those receiving high-flow oxygen or noninvasive ventilation. The combination was associated with fewer serious adverse events.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Immunology

A retrospective matched cohort single-center study evaluating outcomes of COVID-19 and the impact of immunomodulation on COVID-19-related cytokine release syndrome in solid organ transplant recipients

Matthew Ringer et al.

Summary: This retrospective study found no significant differences in disease severity and mortality between solid organ transplant (SOT) patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-SOT patients. More SOT patients received tocilizumab and steroids, indicating the need for larger studies to confirm these findings. The analysis of key interleukin levels contributes to understanding the complex cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19.

TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Duration and key determinants of infectious virus shedding in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)

Jeroen J. A. van Kampen et al.

Summary: The study found that the median duration of shedding infectious virus in COVID-19 patients is 8 days, dropping below 5% after 15.2 days post onset of symptoms. High viral loads are associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 isolation, while high serum neutralizing antibody titres are associated with non-infectious SARS-CoV-2.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Review Immunology

COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature

Mohammed A. Raja et al.

Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis of SOT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection revealed a high hospital admission rate and mortality rate. Common symptoms included fever and cough, with the majority of recipients requiring hospital treatment. Use of immunosuppressive medications decreased, while treatments varied.

TRANSPLANTATION REVIEWS (2021)

Article Anesthesiology

Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study

D. Nepogodiev et al.

Summary: The study suggests that surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with patients experiencing ongoing symptoms >= 7 weeks from diagnosis potentially benefitting from further delay.

ANAESTHESIA (2021)

Article Transplantation

Feasibility of Convalescent Plasma Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Severe COVID-19: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study

Akash Gupta et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates that convalescent plasma therapy is effective in improving clinical symptoms and laboratory markers in kidney transplant recipients with severe COVID-19, with a significant improvement within 7 days. The treatment is safe and feasible in this patient population and warrants further exploration through larger clinical registries and randomized clinical trials.

EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonists in Critically Ill Patients with Covid-19

Anthony C. Gordon et al.

Summary: Interleukin-6 receptor antagonists tocilizumab and sarilumab were found to improve outcomes, including survival, in critically ill patients with Covid-19 receiving organ support in ICUs according to an ongoing international trial. The efficacy of these treatments has been confirmed, with patients benefiting from the therapy.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Immunology

Cycle Thresholds Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2

Deborah A. Theodore et al.

Summary: This study retrospectively reviewed the optimal duration of transmission-based precautions among solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2, finding that some patients may have prolonged high viral burden. Further data are needed to understand whether these data can help inform strategies for prevention of healthcare-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and for appropriate discontinuation of transmission-based precautions.

TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Virology

Evaluation of the therapeutic regimen in COVID-19 in transplant patients: where do immunomodulatory and antivirals stand?

Mojtaba Shafiekhani et al.

Summary: The use of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab in treating COVID-19 in solid-organ transplant recipients can significantly reduce hospitalization and ICU stay, as well as mortality rates. However, patients treated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir had a lower chance of survival. There were no significant differences observed in clinical complications among various therapeutic regimens.

VIROLOGY JOURNAL (2021)

Article Microbiology

Successful treatment of a kidney transplant patient with COVID-19 and late-onset Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia

Jing Peng et al.

Summary: This case study highlights the importance of timely and differential diagnosis of PJP in kidney transplant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research is needed to investigate the susceptibility of kidney transplant patients with COVID-19 to developing late-onset PJP and the appropriate treatment strategies for these patients.

ANNALS OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND ANTIMICROBIALS (2021)

Article Surgery

Reduced humoral response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients without prior exposure to the virus

Ayelet Grupper et al.

Summary: Only 37.5% of transplant recipients developed a positive immune response to the Pfizer vaccine, with lower antibody levels, and factors associated with null immune response include older age, high-dose corticosteroids use, triple immunosuppression maintenance, and regimen with mycophenolate.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy and Safety of Therapeutic-Dose Heparin vs Standard Prophylactic or Intermediate-Dose Heparins for Thromboprophylaxis in High-risk Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 The HEP-COVID Randomized Clinical Trial

Alex C. Spyropoulos et al.

Summary: Therapeutic-dose low-molecular-weight heparin reduces major thromboembolism and death in high-risk inpatients with COVID-19, with no significant effect observed in critically ill patients.

JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE (2021)

Article Infectious Diseases

Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine among kidney transplant recipients: a prospective cohort study

Benaya Rozen-Zvi et al.

Summary: Kidney transplant recipients showed a low antibody response rate of 36.4% after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Factors associated with antibody response include estimated glomerular filtration rate, medication dosage, age, and calcineurin inhibitor blood level.

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION (2021)

Article Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems

Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in heart transplant recipients - a prospective cohort study

Osnat Itzhaki Ben Zadok et al.

Summary: In a cohort study of heart transplant recipients receiving a two-dose mRNA vaccine, only a small percentage demonstrated positive immune response to the vaccine, with older age and anti-metabolite-based immunosuppression associated with lower immunogenicity. A significant proportion of non-responders after the first dose became seropositive after the second dose.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE (2021)

Article Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems

BNT162b2 vaccination in heart transplant recipients: Clinical experience and antibody response

Yael Peled et al.

Summary: The study investigated the safety and efficacy of BNT162b2 vaccine in heart transplant recipients, showing a low rate of adverse events and some individuals developing antibody responses. The presence of IgG anti-RBD antibodies was associated with neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virus, but certain immunosuppressive regimens may impact the odds of an antibody response. Further research is needed to determine the optimal observation period for antibody response in immunocompromised individuals.

JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

Peter W. Horby et al.

Summary: Convalescent plasma therapy did not improve survival or other clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

LANCET (2021)

Review Medicine, General & Internal

Corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19 A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Yashwitha Sai Pulakurthi et al.

Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the clinical outcomes of corticosteroid treatment for COVID-19 patients, finding that corticosteroid treatment can reduce mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in severe COVID-19 patients.

MEDICINE (2021)

Article Immunology

Outcomes of COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: A matched cohort study

Marcus R. Pereira et al.

Summary: The study found that solid organ transplant recipients hospitalized with COVID-19 had similar overall outcomes as non-transplant patients, suggesting that chronic immunosuppression may not be an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in COVID-19.

TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2021)

Article Microbiology

Markers of Polyfunctional SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Convalescent Plasma

Harini Natarajan et al.

Summary: This study analyzed convalescent plasma samples and found a diverse range of antiviral activity among recovered individuals. In addition to viral neutralization, convalescent plasma samples contained antibodies with various Fc-dependent functions, providing diversified resistance against SARS-CoV-2. Some eligible donors exhibited high activity in their plasma samples, which could be accurately identified as polyfunctional with even single Fc Array features.
Letter Critical Care Medicine

Early humoral response among lung transplant recipients vaccinated with BNT162b2 vaccine

Yael Shostak et al.

LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE (2021)

Article Surgery

Weak antibody response to three doses of mRNA vaccine in kidney transplant recipients treated with belatacept

Nathalie Chavarot et al.

Summary: Poor responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were observed in kidney transplant recipients treated with belatacept, especially in those without prior COVID-19 history. However, patients with a history of COVID-19 developed a strong antibody response with high titers after vaccination. Further strategies are needed to improve protection in this population.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Surgery

Cellular and humoral immune response after mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in liver and heart transplant recipients

Sabina Herrera et al.

Summary: This study investigated the immune response of heart and liver transplant recipients to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, finding that 90% of recipients developed either humoral or cellular immune responses. Factors associated with lack of immune response included hypogammaglobulinemia and vaccination within the first year post-transplantation.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Surgery

Humoral and cellular immune response and safety of two-dose SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients

Victoria G. Hall et al.

Summary: Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of severe COVID-19. A study on the immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 vaccine in this population showed that a subset of patients developed neutralizing antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in this patient population.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Surgery

Cellular and humoral response after MRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients

David Cucchiari et al.

Summary: The study on 148 kidney transplant recipients showed that the mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine elicited either cellular or humoral response in 65.0% of the patients. Approximately 20.9% of patients were considered to have prior immunization against SARS-CoV-2, while 79.1% were deemed naïve to the virus.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Rheumatology

Humoral and T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients receiving immunosuppression

Maria Prendecki et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are immunogenic in patients receiving immunosuppression, though the response is impaired compared to healthy individuals. B-cell depletion following rituximab impairs serological responses, but T-cell responses are preserved in this group. Repeat vaccine doses for serological non-responders could be considered to induce more robust immunological response.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2021)

Article Immunology

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Normalized Viral Loads and Subgenomic RNA Detection as Tools for Improving Clinical Decision Making and Work Reincorporation

Marta Santos Bravo et al.

Summary: This study demonstrates that normalized viral loads and sgRNA can be effective tools in monitoring COVID-19 patients, overcoming the variability in RT-PCR results. The positivity of sgRNA correlates with viral culture viability, indicating its potential as a marker for viral infectivity.

JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Early treatment of COVID-19 with anakinra guided by soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor plasma levels: a double-blind, randomized controlled phase 3 trial

Evdoxia Kyriazopoulou et al.

Summary: The SAVE-MORE phase 3 study demonstrated the efficacy of anakinra, an IL-1 alpha/beta inhibitor, in patients with COVID-19 and high serum levels of soluble plasminogen activator receptor, showing significant reduction in clinical deterioration and decreased 28-day mortality.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/mRNA vaccination

Tina Schmidt et al.

Summary: In healthy adults, vaccination with an mRNA vaccine as a booster, regardless of the initial vaccine, resulted in higher levels of spike-specific antibodies and T cells compared to booster vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCov-19. Heterologous vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 followed by an mRNA vaccine induced strong immune responses with acceptable reactogenicity, showing similar or better effects than homologous mRNA vaccine regimens.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Therapeutic Anticoagulation with Heparin in Noncritically Ill Patients with Covid-19

Patrick R. Lawler et al.

Summary: This study showed that therapeutic-dose anticoagulation with heparin in non-critically ill patients with Covid-19 increased the likelihood of survival to hospital discharge and reduced the need for cardiovascular or respiratory organ support compared to usual-care thromboprophylaxis.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia

Patricia O. Guimaraes et al.

Summary: Among patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia, tofacitinib led to a lower risk of death or respiratory failure through day 28 than placebo. The mortality rate was lower in the tofacitinib group within 28 days. However, the rate of serious adverse events was similar in both groups.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Immunology

Clinical effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients

Saima Aslam et al.

Summary: The study found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients, demonstrating real-world clinical effectiveness.

TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2021)

Letter Immunology

Risk of Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Adult Transplant Recipients

Caroline X. Qin et al.

TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Immunology

Humoral Response of Renal Transplant Recipients to the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Using Both RBD IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies

Tammy Hod et al.

Summary: Only 35% of renal transplant recipients develop neutralizing antibodies to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) dosage and hemoglobin levels are independent predictors for antibody response in this population.

TRANSPLANTATION (2021)

Article Critical Care Medicine

Efficacy and safety of baricitinib for the treatment of hospitalised adults with COVID-19 (COV-BARRIER) : a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- controlled phase 3 trial

Vincent C. Marconi et al.

Summary: Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of disease progression overall, treatment with baricitinib in addition to standard of care (including dexamethasone) had a similar safety profile to that of standard care alone, and was associated with reduced mortality in hospitalised adults with COVID-19.

LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE (2021)

Article Health Care Sciences & Services

Prolonged shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in an elderly liver transplant patient infected by COVID-19: a case report

Lai Wei et al.

Summary: The case presented above described prolonged shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in a liver transplant patient with COVID-19. The patient, who had been receiving immunosuppressive treatment for over 11 years, showed a shedding duration of 52 days. This indicates a potential risk of prolonged shedding in immunosuppressed patients following COVID-19 infection.

ANNALS OF PALLIATIVE MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

A multicenter randomized open-label clinical trial for convalescent plasma in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia

Cristina Avendano-Sola et al.

Summary: The study conducted in Spain involving 27 hospitals showed that convalescent plasma (CP) can significantly reduce the risk of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO treatment, or death within 28 days for COVID-19 patients. However, the difference was not significant at 14 days and there was no significant improvement in overall survival.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION (2021)

Article Rheumatology

Interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 inhibition compared with standard management in patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation: a cohort study

Giulio Cavalli et al.

Summary: IL-1 inhibition was associated with reduced mortality in patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation, while IL-6 inhibition showed effectiveness in patients with high C-reactive protein concentrations. Both IL-1 and IL-6 inhibition were effective in patients with low lactate dehydrogenase concentrations.

LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY (2021)

Review Medicine, General & Internal

Remdesivir therapy in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Charan Thej Reddy Vegivinti et al.

Summary: The study found that treatment with remdesivir reduces the likelihood of COVID-19 patients needing mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and increases the chances of early and late discharge, but has no impact on mortality rates.

ANNALS OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY (2021)

Article Surgery

COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: Initial report from the US epicenter

Marcus R. Pereira et al.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2020)

Review Immunology

Convalescent plasma in Covid-19: Possible mechanisms of action

Manuel Rojas et al.

AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS (2020)

Editorial Material Immunology

To Interpret the SARS-CoV-2 Test, Consider the Cycle Threshold Value

Michael R. Tom et al.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2020)

Review Medicine, Research & Experimental

Deployment of convalescent plasma for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

Evan M. Bloch et al.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Virological assessment of hospitalized patients with COVID-2019

Roman Woelfel et al.

NATURE (2020)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Covid-19 and Kidney Transplantation

Enver Akalin et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Remdesivir for the Treatment of Covid-19-Final Report

John H. Beigel et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Compassionate Use of Remdesivir for Patients with Severe Covid-19

J. Grein et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Surgery

Use of tocilizumab in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19

Maria J. Perez-Saez et al.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2020)

Article Surgery

Tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: a matched cohort study

Marcus R. Pereira et al.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION (2020)

Editorial Material Urology & Nephrology

COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant recipients

Debasish Banerjee et al.

KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Factors associated with COVID-19-related death using OpenSAFELY

Elizabeth J. Williamson et al.

NATURE (2020)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

An mRNA Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2-Preliminary Report

L. A. Jackson et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Persistence and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in an Immunocompromised Host

Bina Choi et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Surgery

Immunomodulatory Therapies for COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Mario Fernandez-Ruiz et al.

CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS (2020)