ABSTRACT
Data comparing the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) during the first and second waves of the pandemic in India is limited. Our single-center retrospective study compared the clinical profile, mortality, and associated risk factors in KTRs with COVID-19 during the 1st wave (1st February 2020 to 31st January 2021) and the second wave (1st March-31st August 2021). 156 KTRs with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection treated at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi during the 1st and the second waves were analyzed. The demographics and baseline transplant characteristics of the patients diagnosed during both waves were comparable. Patients in the second wave reported less frequent hospitalization, though the intensive care unit (ICU) and ventilator requirements were similar. Strategies to modify immunosuppressants such as discontinuation of antinucleoside drugs with or without change in calcineurin inhibitors and the use of steroids were similar during both waves. Overall patient mortality was 27.5%. The demographics and baseline characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors were comparable. A higher percentage of nonsurvivors presented with breathing difficulty, low SpO2, and altered sensorium. Both wave risk factors for mortality included older age, severe disease, ICU/ventilator requirements, acute kidney injury (AKI) needing dialysis, Chest Computerized Tomographic (CT) scan abnormalities, and higher levels of inflammatory markers particularly D-dimer and interleukin-6 levels. Conclusions. KTRs in both COVID-19 waves had similar demographics and baseline characteristics, while fewer patients during the second wave required hospitalization. The D-dimer and IL-6 levels are directly correlated with mortality.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused multi-dimensional global crisis in the recent times. There is an increasing necessity of understanding and developing a strategy for optimal utilization of healthcare resources in this time of crisis. Radiology department remains the backbone for diagnosis and for appropriate management of orthopaedic ailments. Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to change in imaging algorithm, for various clinical conditions taking care of the exposure risk to patients and healthcare workers and to handle the volume of diagnostic and intervention work. Radiology preparedness is to set the workflow protocols and policies applicable to radiology investigations for different clinical conditions, which will help to attain these objectives. Radiologists are in best position to decide the most appropriate imaging investigation and protocol making it vital to have a frequent Orthopaedic surgeon-Radiologist interaction, which is one of the most important steps in patient management pathway.