The recent COVID-19 outbreak has posed certain questions related to the disease and organ transplantation among transplant surgeons, Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), donors as well as recipients. In this regard, the American Society of Transplantation (AST), the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) have developed a set of FAQs to relay information to transplant programs and OPOs. 1. Are transplant recipients at higher risk for COVID-19?
Due to the scarcity of published case reports, data on transplant patients with COVID-19 are still limited. However, based on data from other viruses and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) studies, severe infection in the transplant recipients may occur. It is projected that transplant patients may possess greater infectivity and potential to spread to other individuals…
