Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with a functioning renal transplant in a tertiary hospital in the community of Madrid

ABSTRACT

In December 2019, a new coronavirus appeared and generated a pandemic. Considering the characteristics of the transplanted patient, it is relevant to know the impact regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiming to describe the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in renal transplant patients. A retrospective observational cohort study of patients with a renal transplant and under follow-up by the transplant clinic of a tertiary hospital was conducted during the period from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. A total of 604 individuals were included, with a mean age of 61.6 ±12.8 years. 62.3% (n=376) were men. SARS-CoV-2 incidence was 14.9% (n=90). Mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 was 3.8% (n=23), giving a case fatality of 25.5%. No significant differences were found according to  sex and age, being 60.9±11.8 years in those infected and 61.7±12.9 years in those not infected. Significant differences (p=0.005) were found for the mean number of years since transplantation;8.7±5.6 years in those infected and 11±7.3 years in those not infected. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in renal transplant recipients was much higher than that described for the general population. Case fatality and mortality were also higher than in the general population, but in line with other series of individuals with renal transplantation. © 2022, Sociedad Espanola de Enfermeria Nefrologica. All rights reserved.