ABSTRACT
Introduction: Immunosuppressed liver transplant (LT) patients are considered to be at high risk for any kind of infection. What the outbreak of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) means for the transplant cohort is a question that, as of now, cannot easily be answered. Data on prevalence, relevance of the novel virus and clinical course of the infection in stable LT patients are limited. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed in our outpatient department during the shutdown in spring 2020 in Germany in 101 stable LT patients. SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted via PCR. Clinical and laboratory course was protocolled and mortality in LT patients from our department was analyzed. Results: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 3%. These patients did not show clinical symptoms and laboratory findings and liver function remained unaltered. Respiratory complaints were common and not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eleven patients required immediate therapy, either due to bacterial pneumonia or altered liver function. The overall mortality rate of LT patients was 0,23% and was not affected during the shutdown in Germany. Conclusion: If preventive measures are applied, LT-patients do not seem to be at a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Telemedicine in the outpatient setting may help to maintain distance and to reduce direct patient contact. However, standard of care must be guaranteed for patients with relevant comorbidities in spite of pandemics, because complications may arise from preexisting conditions.