Recovery of Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Liver Transplant Recipient on Continued Immunosuppression: A Case Report

Transplant Proc. 2020 Nov;52(9):2703-2706. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.09.007. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

The global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had an enormous impact on the world. Owing to limited data available, it remains unclear to what extent liver transplant recipients should be considered at a higher risk of severe disease. We describe a moderate course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a patient who underwent a liver transplant 2 years earlier because of Budd-Chiari syndrome. The patient presented with malaise, headache, dry cough, and fever for 4 days. Immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil was continued throughout the course of infection. Oxygen therapy was given for a single night, and the patient gradually recovered with supportive care only. With this case report, we demonstrate that liver transplantation and immunosuppression is not necessarily associated with severe COVID-19 and emphasize that more information on this matter is urgently required. Withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy could be associated with higher mortality.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents