SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients - Immunosuppression is the Silver Lining?

Background: COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality among patients who have comorbidities. However, evidences related to COVID-19 among post liver transplant recipients are scarce and evolving. Methods: Adult Indian patients who had undergone liver transplantation at our centre since 2006 and were under regular follow-up, were contacted either telephonically or on email. Data were recorded related to symptoms and diagnosis of COVID-19, need for hospitalization, and need for ICU stay and mortality. Results: Eighty one (3.71%) of the 2182 adult Liver transplant (LT) recipients on regular follow-up reported SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1st April 2020 and 31st May 2021. Mean age was 51.3(+/- 9.8) years, and 74(91.4%) were males. Thirty five (43.2%) patients had one or more comorbidities. Twenty one (25.9%) patients were transplanted less than 1 year ago. Forty four (54.3%) patients had mild disease only while 23(28.4%) patients had severe COVID-19 disease. Of the 81 patients 14 patients died and overall mortality was 17.3% Conclusion: Uncomplicated liver transplant recipients without comorbidities who acquire SARS-CoV-2 do not have poor outcome.