(Avicenna Organ Transplant Center, 2020) N/A; N/A; Imam, Ashraf; Karataş, Cihan; Imam, Riham; Armutlu, Ayşe; Mecit, Nesimi; Karakaya, Afak Durur; Kalayoğlu, Münci; Kanmaz, Turan; Doctor; Doctor; Other; Teaching Faculty; Doctor; Faculty Member; Doctor; Faculty Member; N/A; N/A; N/A; School of Medicine; N/A; School of Medicine; N/A; School of Medicine; Koç University Hospital; Koç University Hospital; N/A; N/A; Koç University Hospital; N/A; Koç University Hospital; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 133567; N/A; 269567; N/A; 275799
The effect of COVID-19 on the transplant recipients is not well-established. Many reports underestimate the effect of COVID-19 on the immunosuppressed population. Herein, we report on 3 pediatric liver transplant recipients who were transplanted at our center between February 11 and March 10, 2020-during the COVID-19 pandemic era. The 3 patients aged between 5 and 10 months, had a rapid and aggressive respiratory deterioration that necessitated mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal life support; and eventually died. The clinical and pathological pictures likely represent COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest x-rays showed progressive infiltrates. Lung autopsies showed diffuse alveolar damage in two cases. We concluded that COVID-19 is very likely to have catastrophic effects on transplant recipients.
