SP5.2.1 Renal Transplant Outcomes Through the COVID-19 Pandemic at a London Transplant Centre

Abstract

Abstract Aims The aim of this audit was to establish the impact of COVID-19 on the outcomes of renal transplant recipients in the post-transplant period at our centre, through the 2020 calendar year. Methods Living donor and deceased donor renal transplant recipients in the period of interest were identified and any complications or adverse outcomes were reviewed and compared to outcome data from the previous year. Results A total of 88 renal transplants were performed in 2020. Fifty-five cases were performed after reopening the Unit. Five patients tested positive for COVID-19 in the post-transplant period. One patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and subsequently died from related complications. Another patient suffered from internal jugular vein thrombosis shortly after testing positive and could be attributed to the hypercoagulable state post-infection. A total of 4 deaths and 1 graft loss were recorded within 2020. This compares to 1 death, 2 graft losses and 1 primary non-function in 172 transplants in 2019. Of the 4 deaths, one was directly linked to COVID-19. The other 3 deaths could be indirectly linked to the disruptions that were made in the healthcare system during this period in adapting to the pandemic. Conclusions It was anticipated that COVID-19 will directly and indirectly affect patient outcomes from surgery during this period. This was clearly seen at this Unit, with mortality rates having increased almost eight-fold in the post-transplant period compared to the same period in the previous year. However, no significant difference was seen with graft losses.