COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in Spain Throughout 2020: Catching the Wave?

Abstract

Few studies have analyzed differences in clinical presentation and outcomes in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across different pandemic waves. In this multicenter, nationwide, prospective study, we compared demographics and clinical features, therapeutic management, and outcomes in SOT recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Spain before (first wave) or after (second wave) 13 July 2020. Of 1634 SOT recipients, 690 (42.2%) and 944 (57.8%) were diagnosed during the first and second periods, respectively. Compared with the first wave, recipients in the second were younger (median: 63 y [interquartile range, IQR: 53-71] versus 59 y [IQR: 49-68]; P We observed meaningful changes in demographics, therapeutic approaches, level of care, and outcomes between the first and second pandemic waves. However, outcomes have not improved in the more severe cases of posttransplant COVID-19.