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01-01-2021 | Kidney Transplantation | Original Article

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric kidney transplant in the United States

Authors: Olga Charnaya, Teresa Po-Yu Chiang, Richard Wang, Jennifer D. Motter, Brian J. Boyarsky, Elizabeth A. King, William A. Werbel, Christine M. Durand, Robin K. Avery, Dorry L. Segev, Allan B. Massie, Jacqueline M. Garonzik-Wang

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

In March 2020, COVID-19 infections began to rise exponentially in the USA, placing substantial burden on the healthcare system. As a result, there was a rapid change in transplant practices and policies, with cessation of most procedures. Our goal was to understand changes to pediatric kidney transplantation (KT) at the national level during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods

Using SRTR data, we examined changes in pediatric waitlist registration, waitlist removal or inactivation, and deceased donor and living donor (DDKT/LDKT) events during the start of the disease transmission in the USA compared with the same time the previous year.

Results

We saw an initial decrease in DDKT and LDKT by 47% and 82% compared with expected events and then a continual increase, with numbers reaching expected prepandemic levels by May 2020. In the early phase of the pandemic, waitlist inactivation and removals due to death or deteriorating condition rose above expected values by 152% and 189%, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in new waitlist additions (IRR _0.49 0.65 _0.85) and LDKT (IRR _0.17 0.38 _0.84) in states with high vs. low COVID activity. Transplant recipients during the pandemic were more likely to have received a DDKT, but had similar calculated panel–reactive antibody (cPRA) values, waitlist time, and cause of kidney failure as before the pandemic.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic initially reduced access to kidney transplantation among pediatric patients in the USA but has not had a sustained effect.

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Title: Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric kidney transplant in the United States
Authors: Olga Charnaya
Teresa Po-Yu Chiang
Richard Wang
Jennifer D. Motter
Brian J. Boyarsky
Elizabeth A. King
William A. Werbel
Christine M. Durand
Robin K. Avery
Dorry L. Segev
Allan B. Massie
Jacqueline M. Garonzik-Wang
Publication date: 01-01-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Kidney Transplantation
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney Transplantation
COVID-19
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney Transplantation
Published in: Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-020-04764-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric kidney transplant in the United States

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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