Abstract: TH-PO945
Decreased Mortality From SARS-CoV-2 in Kidney Transplant Recipients Over the Course of the Pandemic
Session Information
- COVID-19: Vaccines and Outcomes ESRD/KTR
November 03, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 000 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors
- Al Azzi, Yorg, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Liriano-Ward, Luz E., Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Kapoor, Sanjana, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Ajaimy, Maria, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Akalin, Enver, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Pynadath, Cindy T., Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
Background
We aimed to investigate the variation in mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection in kidney transplant recipients
Methods
Between March 16, 2020 and May 4, 2022, 537 patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR.
Results
59% were male, median age 58 (IQR: 45-67), predominantly Hispanic (51.2%) and African American (29%). 75.4% received a deceased-donor renal transplant, 55% received anti-thymocyte induction. Most patients were on triple immunosuppression (96% on calcineurin inhibitors, 87% on anti-metabolite, and 99% on prednisone). While the mortality rate was 37 % (47/128) during first peak between March 16 and April 30, 2020, it has significantly decreased to 11% (7/61) from May 1, 2020 to end of December 2020 with social distancing and use of facemask. Between January 1, 2021 and November 5, 2021 with use of vaccination and monoclonal antibodies, the mortality rate further decreased to 7.7% (10/129). Between November 6, 2021 till May 4, 2022 which corresponds to the period when the Omicron variant and subvariants are prevalent, the mortality rate was 5.5% (12/219).
Among those diagnosed during the period when Omicron was prevalent, 188/219 (85.8%) have received 2 doses of COVID vaccine and 82/219 (37.4%) have received a third dose. Since the beginning of use of monoclonal antibodies, 93 patients received a combination of casirivimab/imdevimab when initial SARS-CoV-2 variants were dominant and sotrovimab then bebtelovimab during the period of Omicron and its subvariants. Only one death occurred in patients who received monoclonal antibody treatment and that patient was hospitalized for severe COVID-19. We identified 23 re-infections. Most of re-infected patients have already received at least 2 doses of COVID vaccine but only 5 received a third dose. None of the re-infected patients was hospitalized and none of them died.
Conclusion
In summary, mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection in kidney transplant recipients has significantly decreased over time. This could be explained by initial exposure to higher viral load due to lack of personal protection and social distancing. However, since the judicious use of monoclonal antibodies and vaccination, in addition to social distancing protocols and use of facemask, the mortality in kidney transplant recipients has decreased over time.