531 - COVID-19 infection outcome in African American Renal Transplant recipients: Detroit Medical Center experience

Background: Transplant recipients are more vulnerable to infections including COVID-19, given their co-morbidities and chronic immunosuppression. Most preliminary care series report rapid clinical progression and higher mortality compared to the general population. 

Methods: Retrospective study at Harper University Hospital - Detroit Medical Center. Twenty-five renal transplant recipients (RTR) presenting consecutively with COVID-19 symptoms and positive NP swab PCR for SARS-CoV2 between 03/01/2020 - 05/01/2020 were included. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, management and outcomes were collected.

Results: All 25 patients were hospitalized. Patients had a median age of 56, all African American and deceased donor transplant recipients. Most had hypertension (96%), about half (52%) had diabetes, 64% had pulmonary disease including obstructive sleep apnea, COPD and pulmonary hypertension. Most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (64%), followed by fever and cough (56%) and diarrhea (56%). One-half of patients had multifocal opacities on initial chest x-ray (52%). Immunosuppression with tacrolimus and low dose prednisone was continued, while mycophenolate mofetil was held on admission. Following institution guidelines, hydroxychloroquine was given to 32%, while 48% received both hydroxychloroquine and steroids. Prophylactic anticoagulation was given to 80% of patients and therapeutic coagulation to 8%. Oxygen supplementation given to 60% of patients and one patient required intubation. Three patients (12%) required transfer to the intensive care unit, one expired. At follow-up, treatment with mycophenolate was reintroduced based on resolution of symptoms and laboratory parameters.

Conclusion: COVID-19 infected RTR in this small cohort had lower mortality of 4% (n=1) compared to State-wide mortality of 10%. Despite multiple co-morbidities and chronic immunosuppression, our patient cohort had excellent prognosis and lower mortality compared to other series. Exact reasons for this optimal outcome are explored.