Advances in Transplant

In the largest, single-center retrospective case series of lung transplant recipients infected with COVID-19 to date, the Lung Transplant Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia shares its experience.

• In the largest, single-center retrospective case series to date, researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia describe their experience of 32 lung transplant recipients who tested positive for SARS-COV-2 between March 19 and May 19, 2020.
• Study findings reveal higher hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates (84%, 31%, and 34%, respectively) than other solid organ transplant recipients who were infected with COVID-19.
• The authors highlight the possibility of immune dysregulation in severe cases given the presence of higher peak white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels, as well as lower nadir lymphocyte counts than in moderate cases. They suggest monitoring of these inflammatory markers to assist with prognostication of disease.
• Out of 32 lung transplant recipients infected with COVID-19, 13 (41%) were classified as severe, with 11 patients (34%) dying at a median of 14 days from admission. Fourteen patients (44%) were classified as moderate and 5 were considered mild (16%) cases.
• The median time from lung transplantation was 5.6 years and the median age was 65 years. Symptoms included cough (66%), dyspnea (50%), fever (47%), and gastrointestinal upset (44%).
• Treatments included hydroxychloroquine (84%), azithromycin (75%), augmented steroids (44%), tocilizumab (19%), and remdesivir (9%), but no treatment showed particular efficacy.

Why NewYork-Presbyterian?

We are committed to sharing the lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic with other centers in order to provide optimal care for patients and ensure safety for providers. In light of SARS-COV2, the Lung Transplant Program at NewYork-Presbyterian is taking special precautions. Currently, we are performing transplant procedures and providing non-emergency telemedicine visits. To refer a patient, please call (212) 305-7771.

More Information

For more information about our Lung Transplant Program, please visit the lung transplant section of our website.