Our Summary

This research paper is about how COVID-19 affects people who have had an intestinal or multivisceral transplant. These patients often have weakened immune systems, so there has been a lot of concern about how they might fare if they catch COVID-19. The researchers studied adults who had these types of transplants and then caught COVID-19 between February 2020 and February 2024.

They found that out of 67 patients who had these transplants, 12 (or about 18%) caught COVID-19. Of those 12, most of them (75%) had to be hospitalized, some needed intensive care, and some needed to be put on a ventilator. Unfortunately, three patients developed severe lung problems and died after being on a ventilator for a long time.

The researchers used different treatments for these patients, including monoclonal antibodies, antiviral drugs, and steroids. Some patients were given a combination of these treatments.

Despite using these treatments and vaccines, the researchers noticed that the number of transplant patients catching COVID-19 might be increasing, but the death rate was not changing. However, they note that more research is needed to understand the full impact of COVID-19 on these types of transplant patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the focus of this research paper about COVID-19 and transplant patients?
  2. What were the common treatments used for transplant patients who contracted COVID-19?
  3. What were the findings of the research regarding the rate of COVID-19 infections and death rate among transplant patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal transplant is to be extra vigilant about following hygiene practices and avoiding exposure to illnesses, especially during times of high infection rates like during a pandemic. It is also important to stay in close communication with your medical team and report any symptoms or concerns promptly. Following a healthy lifestyle, including staying active and eating a balanced diet, can also help support your immune system and overall health after an intestinal transplant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for intestinal transplant are those with end-stage intestinal failure, often due to conditions like short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal ischemia. These patients may have severe malnutrition, dehydration, and frequent infections, and may not be able to tolerate oral or enteral nutrition. An intestinal transplant may be considered when other treatments, such as parenteral nutrition, have failed to improve the patient’s condition.

In addition, patients with multivisceral transplant may have failure of multiple abdominal organs, such as the intestine, liver, pancreas, and stomach. These patients may have complex medical conditions that require the transplantation of multiple organs in order to improve their quality of life and survival.

Overall, patients who are recommended for intestinal transplant are those who have exhausted all other treatment options and have a high risk of mortality without the transplant. These patients require close monitoring and care both before and after the transplant to ensure successful outcomes.

Timeline

Before an intestinal transplant, a patient typically experiences severe intestinal failure due to conditions such as Crohn’s disease, intestinal ischemia, or short bowel syndrome. They may undergo extensive medical treatments, such as parenteral nutrition, to manage their condition. The patient will also undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a transplant.

After receiving an intestinal transplant, the patient will undergo a period of recovery in the hospital, which can last several weeks to months. They will need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the donor organ, which puts them at a higher risk for infections. The patient will also need to undergo regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure the success of the transplant.

In the case of catching COVID-19 post-transplant, the patient may experience severe illness requiring hospitalization, intensive care, and possibly mechanical ventilation. Treatment options may include monoclonal antibodies, antiviral drugs, and steroids. The patient’s outcome will vary depending on the severity of their illness and how well their immune system responds to treatment.

Overall, the experience of a patient before and after an intestinal transplant is complex and challenging, with the added risk of complications from infections such as COVID-19. Ongoing research is needed to better understand how these patients can be effectively treated and protected from such infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risk factors for intestinal transplant patients who contract COVID-19?
  2. How does having an intestinal or multivisceral transplant affect the body’s ability to fight off infections like COVID-19?
  3. What precautions should I take to reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19 after an intestinal transplant?
  4. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate I have contracted COVID-19?
  5. How will COVID-19 impact my recovery process after an intestinal transplant?
  6. Are there any specific treatments or medications that I should consider taking to protect myself from COVID-19?
  7. How often should I get tested for COVID-19 following an intestinal transplant?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19?
  9. What is the mortality rate for intestinal transplant patients who contract COVID-19, and how does it compare to the general population?
  10. What ongoing research is being conducted to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on intestinal transplant patients?

Reference

Authors: Powers C, Corrente B, Joyce J, Stein W, Polydor S, Gunabushanam V, Khanna A, Silveira FP, Cruz RJ Jr. Journal: Clin Transplant. 2025 Jan;39(1):e70065. doi: 10.1111/ctr.70065. PMID: 39739932