The Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Transplant Function and Development of CLAD in Lung Transplant Patients: A Multicenter Experience

Abstract

PurposeConcerns have been raised on the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on lung transplant (LTx) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the clinical course and transplant function pre- and post-COVID-19 infection in LTx patients.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from adult LTx patients with a proven COVID-19 infection from three Dutch transplant centres, between February 2020 and September 2021. Spirometry results were collected pre-COVID-19 infection and within 3 and 6 months post-COVID-19 infection.ResultsA total of 59 LTx patients had been tested positive for COVID-19. The median age was 58 years (IQR 49-66), 64% was male and median time since transplantation was 5 years (IQR 2-11). Thirty-three patients (56%) were hospitalized, 30 (51%) were in need for supplemental oxygen therapy, 17 (29%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 13 (22%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. Thirteen patients died (22%), 10 in ICU (77%), 3 (23%) on general wards. Post-COVID-19 spirometry results were available in 45 (76%) patients within three months post-infection and in 34 (58%) 6 months post-infection. Spirometry results and the prevalence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) are shown in Table 1. CLAD pre-COVID-19 was not associated with higher mortality (12% vs 10%, p = 0.162).ConclusionIn LTx patients COVID-19 infection results in high hospitalization and mortality rate. FVC and FEV1 was declined three months after infection and gradually improved at 6 months post-COVID-19 infection. However, FVC remained significantly lower after 6 months, demonstrating a more restrictive pattern. The prevalence of CLAD did not change after COVID-19 infection. Further follow-up is required to obtain more detailed information about CLAD.