Comment on Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Pancreas Transplant Activity: A Survey of International Surgeons

Abstract

The recent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant disruptions to healthcare delivery, including organ transplantation. In the UK, of 6136 patients on an active transplant list 3.8 per cent tested positive for COVID-19 and 11.0 per cent of these have died. Of 2084 transplants performed in the UK during 2020, 3.4 per cent of patients tested positive but only 0.5 per cent have died. Most would agree that, for certain groups, risk is higher whilst on a waiting list rather than after a successful transplant. We accept that figures may vary because of the frequency and density of testing. Although the impact of COVID-19 on liver and renal transplant activity is reported, it remains less clear for pancreas transplantation. Of 1757 simultaneous pancreas–kidney recipients in the UK with a functioning graft 23 (1.3 per cent) have developed COVID-19 and only five have died. An online survey covering key areas for pancreas transplant services was developed and disseminated via the World Pancreas Transplant Guidelines Group between May and July 2020.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1093/bjs/znaa105

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https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/8d73adc1-42aa-4b66-b781-f3e2ec4e90bc