Pediatric liver and kidney transplantation in the era of COVID-19: a follow-up study from a tertiary referral center in Iran

Shafiekhani, Mojtaba; Kazemi, Kourosh; Bahador, Ali; Imanieh, Mohammad Hadi; Karimzadeh, Parisa

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric transplant outcomes and determine whether to continue pediatric transplant activity or not, and how policies intended our center has been effective in preventing COVID-19 among organ transplant recipients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of hospitalized pediatrics after organ transplantation at Shiraz transplant center since March to August 2020. All liver and kidney transplanted children were included the study and their laboratory and clinical related COVID-19 characteristics were followed up till 3 months after transplantation during hospitalization period and then weekly by the transplant committee. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients underwent transplantation including 11 kidney and 40 liver recipients. The mean age of the pediatric cases was 6.72 ± 5.47 years. A total of 11 patients died due to post-transplant complications, while none of the patients presented any sign or symptoms in favor of COVID-19 in the hospital course after transplantation. Six transplants including 2 kidney and 4 liver were canceled when positive PCR tests were detected in their donors before the surgery. In the 3 months of follow up, two patients presented with symptoms including high grade fever, malaise, rhinorrhea, and GI symptoms. Both patients had two negative PCR, and no radiologic or laboratory results regarding COVID-19 were also detected. One had positive influenza PCR, while the second one had a positive serologic test for EBV; CT, computed tomography CONCLUSION: Transplant programs could continue their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific case selection, accurate screening methods and following protective protocols. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01226-y.