COVID-19 Infection Clinical Profile, Management, Outcome, and Antibody Response in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Centre Experience

Introduction. Experience of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with clinical presentation, management, factors influencing mortality, and antibody response is limited. Material and Methods. A retrospective data of COVID-19 in KTRs was collected and analyzed. The mortality rate, risk factors, and antibody response were primary objectives, while the clinical presentation, laboratory indicators, and pharmacological management were secondary objectives. Results. The 67 KTRs with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection reported between 1 May 2020 and 31 December 2020; 61.2% of patients were hospitalized; and 20.9% needed ventilation. The overall mortality was 26.9%, while blood group A had 50% mortality. The treatment options and used were steroids (100%), convalescent plasma (32.8%), ivermectin (58.2%), doxycycline (55.2%), remdesivir (34.3%), tocilizumab (10.4%), antibiotics (61.2%), anti-fungals (26.9%), low molecular weight heparin (45.3%), and oral anti-coagulants (26.9%). Anti-nucleosides (mycophenolate or azathioprine) were discontinued in 76.1% and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in 26.9%. Significant mortality (p