Clinical course of COVID-19 in a liver transplant recipient on hemodialysis and response to tocilizumab therapy: A case report

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious and rapidly spreading disease. There are limited published data on the epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 infection among organ transplant recipients. After initial flulike symptoms, progression to an inflammatory phase may occur, characterized by cytokine release rapidly leading to respiratory and multiorgan failure. We report the clinical course and management of a liver transplant recipient on hemodialysis, who presented with COVID-19 pneumonia, and despite completing a 5-day course of hydroxychloroquine, later developed marked inflammatory manifestations with rapid improvement after administration of off-label, single-dose tocilizumab. We also highlight the role of lung ultrasonography in early diagnosis of the inflammatory phase of COVID-19. Future investigation of the effects of immunomodulators among transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection will be important.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2254-2259
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation
Volume20
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2020

Keywords

  • clinical research/practice
  • immunosuppressant - calcineurin inhibitor: tacrolimus
  • immunosuppression/immune modulation
  • infection and infectious agents - viral
  • infectious disease
  • liver transplantation/hepatology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Transplantation
  • Pharmacology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Clinical course of COVID-19 in a liver transplant recipient on hemodialysis and response to tocilizumab therapy: A case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this