Psychological Concerns of Children Undergoing Kidney Transplantation During the Pandemic: Single-centre Experience

BMJ Paediatr Open. 2021 Jul 29;5(1):e001174. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001174. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Many paediatric kidney transplant programmes were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and due to the vulnerable nature of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), there were new concerns once these programmes reopened. We surveyed children and families who received a kidney transplant during the pandemic. We found that half of the participants felt scared and/or anxious about receiving a kidney transplant during the pandemic, and 2/8 participants were worried about catching COVID-19 during their recovery. While detailed counselling and additional safety precautions contributed to a good experience, patients and parents still demonstrated fear towards transplantation.

Keywords: COVID-19; nephrology.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic* / epidemiology
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2