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COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients.
There is minimal information on COVID-19 in immunocompromised individuals. We have studied 10 patients treated at 12 adult care hospitals. Ten kidney transplant recipients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR, and 9 were admitted. The median age was 57 (IQR 47-67), 60% were male, 40% Caucasian, and 30% Black/African American. Median time from transplant to COVID-19 testing was 2822 days (IQR 1272-4592). The most common symptom was fever, followed by cough, myalgia, chills, and fatigue. The most common CXR and CT abnormality was multifocal patchy opacities. 3 patients had no abnormal findings. Leukopenia was seen in 20% of patients, and allograft function was stable in 50% of patients. 9 patients were on tacrolimus and a mycophenolic antimetabolite, and 70% were on prednisone. Hospitalized patients had their antimetabolite agent stopped. All hospitalized patients received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin. 3 patients died (30%), five (50%) developed acute kidney injury. Kidney transplant recipients infected with COVID-19 should be monitored closely in the setting of lowered immunosuppression. Most individuals required hospitalization and presenting symptoms were similar to those of non-transplant individuals.
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