Issue 10/2022
N. Yurukova
Hospital “Lozenetz” – Sofia
Background: The effect of liver transplantation (LT) on the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remained controversial. There is still no consensus on whether liver transplantation (LT) recipients with COVID-19 are at greater risk of developing severe or fatal COVID-19. Therefore, we conducted a systematic overview to investigate the association between LT, severe COVID-19 illness, and mortality.
Objectives: To review the literature on COVID-19 in LT recipients.
Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. The search was restricted to articles published between May, 2020 and May, 2022.
Content: After adjustment, mortality after COVID-19 appear similar in LT recipients compared to the general population, with notable increased use of antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment options. Prevention of COVID-19 is key in LT recipients. Vaccination of LT recipients and anyone who is in contact with LT recipients is one of the
cornerstones of prevention. Nonpharmacological interventions such as face coverings, hand hygiene, and physical distancing remain ever important as well.
Implications: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an important impact on LT candidates and recipients. Prevention of infection is the most important measure and requires careful attention to approaches to vaccination and messaging of the ongoing need for face coverings, physical distancing, and hand hygiene.
Address for correspondence:
Nonka N. Yurukova
Hospital “Lozenetz”, Sofia
1, Koziak, Str.
1407, Sofia, Bulgaria
e-mail: dr.nona@abv.bg