Profile of sars cov2 infection among liver transplant recipients across asia pacific

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 among liver transplant (LT) recipients varies with symptoms, severity, time from LT and with treatment from region to region. Here-with we report the clinical presentation, spectrum of disease and outcome from the Asia Pacific region. Methods: In this multinational study, data was recorded between April 2020 to May 2021 across 13 countries in Asia. The data was compiled on survey monkey under the APASL COVID-19 study task force [NCT04345640]. Severity of COVID infection was defined as per WHO guidelines. We analysed symptoms, demography, treatment, clinical course and treatment among LT patients with COVID-19. Results: Among a total 130 LT patients, males were 117 with mean age of 53±12 years and majority were live donor transplant (92,71%). The most common etiology of liver disease was ethanol (37, 28%) followed by NASH (28,22%) and cryptogenic(21,16%). Median post LT period was 54 months. Co-morbidity was present in 101 patients (78%), the most common being obesity (61,47%),followed by Diabetes (56,43%) and hypertension(30,23%). The presenting complaints were fever(82%), cough(61%), dyspnoea(29%) and diarrhoea(7%);8% were asymptomatic. Respiratory distress was seen in 29 (22%) cases;17 received only oxygen and 12 needed ventilator support. Prior to illness, only CNI was used as immunosuppressant in 30% (39), CNI & MMF in 31% (40) and in another 31% (40) mTOR inhibitors alone or with a CNI and triple regimen in 9%. During COVID, only low dose steroid was used in 50% (64), low dose CNI in mild to moderate ( 32%,41), complete avoidance of MMF in 4% cases where as low dose CNI and MMF in 16% (20) patients. Immunosuppression reintroduction done in 68% to pre-COVID dose and 28% were maintained on low dose CNI with steroids with close monitoring of LFT and pre-COVID dose was restarted after 14 days of recovery .4% had graft dysfunction leading to early augmentation of immunosuppression. Any antiviral was received by 36%, convalescent plasma by 26% and immunomodulators like tocilizumab or bevacizumab in 13%. Home care offered to 46% cases while those admitted, 41% were managed in ward only and 13% needed ICU admission. Graft function was unaffected in majority (109, 84%) but Acute Cellular Rejection was noted in 10% cases and DILI or other causes in 6%. Liver injury in the form of raised transaminases or bilirubin was noted in 19% at hospital stay and in 40% at presentation. Severe COVID was in 16% (21) cases with mortality in 8% (11). Conclusion: Compared to general population post-LT patients have an increased mortality due to COVID. Home based care could be feasible in only half of the patients.