Hepatic transplant during SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. A literature review

Abstract

Background: In December 2019, a new beta coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified in the city of Wuhan, China, as a causative agent of severe pneumonia, known as COVID-19, which has led to strict isolation measures, closure of liver transplantation programs and the need to modify treatment protocols. Objective: Document the information published so far on the impact of COVID-19 in the population with a history of liver transplantation and establish a treatment protocol. Method: MeSH terms were searched for "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "liver transplantation" and "treatment". Results: Up to now, a greater ease in acquiring the virus has been shown in the liver transplant population, without a difference in mortality when compared to the general population. Immunosuppression should continue at the minimum tolerated levels, without suspending calcineu rin inhibitors. Of the specific treatment, steroids are those that have shown the greatest clinical benefit and decreased mortality. Conclusion: Liver transplantation is not independently associated with higher mortality. Factors other than transplantation must be taken into account when considering the risk of severity.