The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on liver transplantation programs in Northern Italy

• DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15948
• Publication Date: 2020-04-24T19:06:31Z
• Authors: Umberto Maggi; Luciano De Carlis; Daniel Yiu; Michele Colledan; Enrico Regalia; Giorgio Rossi; Marco Angrisani; Dario Consonni; Gianluca Fornoni; Giuseppe Piccolo; T. Maria DeFeo
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections

In January 2020, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic, creating uncertainty toward the management of liver transplantation (LT) programs. Lombardy has been most affected region Italy: current mortality rate COVID-19 patients is 18.3% (10 022 deaths; April 10th) with hospitals having to expand total number ICU beds from 724 1381 accommodate infected patients. There drastic decrease donors. From February 23rd until 10th, 17 LTs were performed Lombardy. Mean donor age was 49 years (range 18-74) whereas mean recipient 55 (13-69); MELD score 12 (6-24). All donors underwent screening for SARS-CoV-2 prior LT. Two tested positive after LT, and one patient died COVID on POD 30. Sixteen are alive an average 30 days post-LT 3-46). 10 have discharged. This study found no specific reason concerning safety recipients, stop LT Several key lessons our experience reported. However, due complex circumstances which surround viral outbreak, cessation or reduction activity pragmatic requirement.