Abstract: TH-PO0933
Effect of COVID-19 on Kidney Transplantation Across the Americas
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Glomerular Diseases, Infections, and Rejection
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Lopez-Gutierrez, Pedro A, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Moreno, Rodolfo Alejandro, Centro Medico Militar, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Perez, Elio, Hospital General San Juan de Dios, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Rodriguez Medina, Ulises, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Canté López, Ana Gabriela, Hospital General San Juan de Dios, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Garcia, Pablo, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Background
Kidney transplant (KT) is the preferred modality for RRT, offering better long-term outcomes and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic was a catastrophic event that affected healthcare systems worldwide. Its impact on kidney transplantation in the Americas, including Latin America, is understudied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney transplant systems across the Americas
Methods
KT data were obtained from the GODT transplant repository, a collaborative initiative between the WHO and the Spanish National Transplant Organization. We collected data from 2018 to 2023 to determine the trends of KT.
Results
Significant heterogeneity in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on KT practices is observed across the Americas. The US and Canada experienced less disruption, although there was a decline in 2020, a notable increase was seen from 2021 to 2023, with KT volumes surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In Latin America, Brazil is relatively unaffected compared to other countries in the region. While Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina were impacted, they recovered faster, showing trends towards pre-pandemic numbers. Other countries, such as Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru, took two years to recover and are now at pre-pandemic numbers. Interestingly, Guatemala faced challenges but reached a similar level to those before the pandemic by 2023. Unfortunately, Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba, were significantly affected, with a slow recovery process.
Conclusion
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organ donation systems was significant in most countries in the Americas. Kidney transplantation numbers in Central and South America were affected for multiple years even after the pandemic. Further investigation into country-specific challenges is neeeded to develop strategies to improve access to and outcomes of KT.