A Programmatic Response, Including Bamlanivimab or Casirivimab-imdevimab Administration, Reduces Hospitalization and Death in COVID-19 Positive Abdominal Transplant Recipients

COVID-19 Management Strategies in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). If left untreated, it results in high rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission and death. Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is essential to ensure the early administration of therapeutics. Treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 with remdesivir, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, or an anti-spike neutralizing monoclonal antibody may prevent progression to severe and critical COVID-19. Among patients with severe and critical COVID-19, treatment with intravenous remdesivir and immunomodulation is recommended. This review article discusses strategies in the management of solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 in liver transplant patients: Impact and considerations

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly impacted liver tran splantation worldwide, leading to major effects on the transplant process, including the pretransplant, perioperative, and post-transplant periods. It is believed that patients with chronic liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have a higher risk of complications from coronavirus disease 2019 infection compared to the general population. However, evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 effects on liver transplant patients has not uniformly demonstrated worse outcomes. Nonetheless, the pandemic created significant challenges and restrictions on transplant policies and organ allocation.

Liver transplantation amidst the COVID-19 era: Our center’s experience

Coronavirus disease 2019 significantly impacted the liver transplant process worldwide. Consequently, it brought significant challenges and limitations to transplant policies and organ allocation forcing liver transplant centers to adjust their protocols to ensure maximum benefit and avoid harm to their patients. Our center, like many others, was obliged to adapt to the challenges. This paper provided an overview of the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on liver transplantations and detailed our center’s experience and efforts during this unprecedented pandemic to serve as a guide for future public health crises.

Vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 in liver transplantation candidates should be recommended but not mandated

Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording.

Incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in liver and kidney transplant recipients in the post-vaccination era: Real-life data from Denmark

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in the pre-vaccination era. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in kidney and liver transplant recipients in Denmark in the post-vaccination era, from December 27, 2020, to December 27, 2021. We included 1428 SOT recipients with 143 cases of first-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The cumulative incidence of first-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test 1 year after initiation of vaccination was 10.4% (95% CI: 8.8-12.0), and the incidence was higher in kidney than in liver transplant recipients (11.6% [95% CI: 9.4-13.8] vs. 7.4% [95% CI: 5.1-9.8], p = .009). After the first-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, the hospitalization rate was 31.5% (95% CI: 23.9-39.1), and 30-day all-cause mortality was 3.7% (95% CI: 0.5-6.8). Hospitalization was lower in vaccinated than in unvaccinated SOT recipients (26.4% [95% CI: 18.1-34.6] vs. 48.5% [95% CI: 31.4-65.5], p = .011), as was mortality (1.8% [95% CI: 0.0-4.3] vs. 9.1% [95% CI: 0.0-18.9], p = .047). In conclusion, SOT recipients remain at high risk of adverse outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a lower risk observed in vaccinated than in unvaccinated SOT recipients.

COVID-19 and liver disease

Knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resultant COVID-19 in liver diseases has rapidly increased during the pandemic. Hereby, we review COVID-19 liver manifestations and pathophysiological aspects related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients without liver disease as well as the impact of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), particularly cirrhosis and liver transplantation (LT). SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with overt proinflammatory cytokine profile, which probably contributes substantially to the observed early and late liver abnormalities. CLD, particularly decompensated cirrhosis, should be regarded as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and death. LT was impacted during the pandemic, mainly due to concerns regarding donation and infection in recipients. However, LT did not represent a risk factor per se of worse outcome. Even though scarce, data regarding COVID-19 specific therapy in special populations such as LT recipients seem promising. COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity seems impaired in CLD and LT recipients, advocating for a revised schedule of vaccine administration in this population.

James G, Zeltner M, Platt T. Impact of a subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab clinic in outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19: A single-center, propensity-matched cohort study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the success of a clinic for subcutaneous administration of casirivmab and imdevimab (REGEN-COV; Regeneron) for treatment of patients with symptomatic mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of preventing disease progression and healthcare utilization.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center, propensity-matched cohort study examined healthcare utilization outcomes for patients who received subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab at a pharmacist-led clinic of an academic health system. Eligible patients were treated between August 1, 2021, and January 5, 2022, and were at high risk for COVID-19 disease progression. Treatment patients were propensity matched with high-risk control patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the same timeframe who did not receive casirivimab and imdevimab. Patients were followed for 30 days for collection of data on inpatient admissions, emergency department visits, and mortality. Risk of a 30-day healthcare utilization event was assessed and tested for statistical significance utilizing McNemar's test.

RESULTS

A total of 585 patients who received treatment with subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab were matched with 585 patients who did not receive casirivimab and imdevimab therapy. Patients who received casirivimab and imdevimab had significantly lower risk of a 30-day all-cause inpatient admission event than untreated patients (relative risk reduction, 62.4%; P < 0.0001). Treated patients also had a significantly lower risk of 30-day all-cause emergency department visit than untreated subjects (relative risk reduction, 36.5%; P = 0.0021). There were 6 mortality events in the untreated group and no mortality events in the treatment group.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab clinic in preventing progression of symptomatic mild to moderate COVID-19.

Safety Profile and Outcomes of Early COVID-19 Treatments in Immunocompromised Patients: A Single-Centre Cohort Study

Background: Early treatment with remdesivir (RMD) or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could be a valuable tool in patients at risk of severe COVID-19 with unsatisfactory responses to vaccination. We aim to assess the safety and clinical outcomes of these treatments among immunocompromised subjects. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all nonhospitalized patients who received an early treatment with RMD or mAbs for COVID-19, from 25 November 2021 to 25 January 2022, in a large tertiary hospital. Outcomes included frequency of adverse drug reaction (ADR), duration of symptoms and molecular swab positivity, emergency department access, hospital or intensive care unit admission, and mortality in the 14 days following treatment administration. Results: Early treatments were administered to 143 patients, 106/143 (74.1%) immunocompromised, including 41 solid organ and 6 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Overall, 23/143 (16.1%) subjects reported ADRs. Median time from treatment start to SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab negativity and symptom resolution was 10 (IQR 6–16) and 2.5 days (IQR 1.0–6.0), respectively, without differences between immunocompromised and nonimmunocompromised patients. In the 14 days after treatment administration, 5/143 patients (3.5%) were hospitalized and one died as a result of causes related to COVID-19, all of them were immunocompromised. Conclusions: RMD and mAbs have minimal ADRs and favourable outcomes in immunocompromised patients.

Antispike monoclonal antibodies for prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 in solid organ transplant recipients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately causes severe outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). Antispike monoclonal antibodies have been authorized for therapy and prophylaxis for COVID-19. Here, we review the current state of antispike monoclonal antibodies and their role for SOTRs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bamlanivimab with or without etesevimab, casirivimab-imdevimab and sotrovimab have reduced the rates of hospitalization and severe disease in high-risk patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Multiple retrospective studies have also demonstrated monoclonal antibodies are effective in SOTR populations. However, the evolution of resistant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concerns has resulted in revocation of the authorization of bamlanivimab with or without etesevimab, and casirivimab-imdevimab as treatment and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Sotrovimab and bebtelovimab are currently authorized for treatment of the predominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron), but not as pre or PEP. Tixagevimab-cilgavimab, a long-acting antibody combination preparation, is authorized for preexposure prophylaxis in high-risk immunocompromised populations, including SOTRs, who are less likely to mount an effective immune response following vaccination series and booster.

SUMMARY

Antispike monoclonal antibodies are useful for the prevention and treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in SOTRs. However, their clinical use should be determined by the evolving epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the community.

Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Including the Omicron Surge

Major changes have occurred in therapeutics for coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection over the past 12-18 mo, most notably in early outpatient therapy. In most cases, solid organ transplant recipients were not included in the original clinical trials of these agents, so studies of real-world outcomes have been important in building our understanding of their utility. This review examines what is known about clinical outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients with newer therapies. SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies for early treatment or prophylaxis have likely prevented many hospitalizations and deaths. In addition, convalescent plasma, the oral drugs nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir, remdesivir for early outpatient treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy, and investigational virus-specific T-cell therapy will be discussed. Finally, the later consequences of COVID-19, such as secondary infections, long COVID symptoms, and persistent active infection, are identified as areas for future research.

The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Solid Organ Transplantation: Two Years Into a Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major global impact on solid organ transplantation (SOT). An estimated 16% global reduction in transplant activity occurred over the course of 2020, most markedly impacting kidney transplant and living donor programs, resulting in substantial knock-on effects for waitlisted patients. The increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection risk and excess deaths in transplant candidates has resulted in substantial effort to prioritize the safe restart and continuation of transplant programs over the second year of the pandemic, with transplant rates returning towards prepandemic levels. Over the past 2 y, COVID-19 mortality in SOT recipients has fallen from 20%-25% to 8%-10%, attributed to the increased and early availability of SARS-CoV-2 testing, adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions, development of novel treatments, and vaccination. Despite these positive steps, transplant programs and SOT recipients continue to face challenges. Vaccine efficacy in SOT recipients is substantially lower than the general population and SOT recipients remain at an increased risk of adverse outcomes if they develop COVID-19. SOT recipients and transplant teams need to remain vigilant and ongoing adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions appears essential. In this review, we summarize the global impact of COVID-19 on transplant activity, donor evaluation, and patient outcomes over the past 2 y, discuss the current strategies aimed at preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in SOT recipients, and based on lessons learnt from this pandemic, propose steps the transplant community could consider as preparation for future pandemics.

Utilization of SARS-COV-2 positive donors and recipients for liver transplantation in the pandemic era - An evidence-based review

The current SARS-COV-2 pandemic led to a drastic drop in liver donation and transplantation in DDLT and LDLT settings. Living donations have decreased more than deceased organ donation due to the need to protect the interest of donors. In the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, major professional societies worldwide recommended against the use of organs from donors with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The basis for these recommendations are; SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted to the recipient through organ transplantation and can result in severe manifestations; only limited effective targeted therapies are available, risk of transmission to the healthcare professionals, logistical limitations, and ethical concerns. In addition, end-stage liver disease patients on the waiting list represent vulnerable populations and are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, deferring life-saving transplants from COVID-positive donors during a pandemic may lead to more collateral damage by causing disease progression, increased death, and dropout from the waitlist. As this SARS-COV-2 pandemic is likely to stay with us for some time, we have to learn to co-exist with it. We believe that utilizing organs from mild/ asymptomatic COVID19 positive donors may expand the organ donor pool and mitigate disruptions in transplantation services during this pandemic.

Insights From Early Clinical Trials Assessing Response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Immunocompromised Patients

It is critical to protect immunocompromised patients against COVID-19 with effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccination as they have an increased risk of developing severe disease. This is challenging, however, since effective mRNA vaccination requires the successful cooperation of several components of the innate and adaptive immune systems, both of which can be severely affected/deficient in immunocompromised people. In this article, we first review current knowledge on the immunobiology of SARS-COV-2 mRNA vaccination in animal models and in healthy humans. Next, we summarize data from early trials of SARS-COV-2 mRNA vaccination in patients with secondary or primary immunodeficiency. These early clinical trials identified common predictors of lower response to the vaccine such as anti-CD19, anti-CD20 or anti-CD38 therapies, low (naive) CD4+ T-cell counts, genetic or therapeutic Bruton tyrosine kinase deficiency, treatment with antimetabolites, CTLA4 agonists or JAK inhibitors, and vaccination with BNT162b2 versus mRNA1273 vaccine. Finally, we review the first data on third dose mRNA vaccine administration in immunocompromised patients and discuss recent strategies of temporarily holding/pausing immunosuppressive medication during vaccination.

COVID-19 and Solid Organ Transplantation: Role of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies

Purpose of Review

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are ideal candidates for early treatment or prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies because of multiple underlying medical conditions, chronic immune-suppression, sub-optimal immunogenic response to vaccination, and evolving epidemiological risks. In this article, we review pertinent challenges regarding the management of COVID-19 in SOTRs, describe the role of active and passive immunity in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and review real-world data regarding the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies in SOTRs.

Recent Findings

The use of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody in high-risk solid organ transplant recipients is associated with a reduction in the risk of hospitalization, need for intensive care, and death related to COVID-19. Overall, the early experiences from a diverse population of solid organ transplant recipients who were treated with anti-spike monoclonal antibodies are encouraging with no reported acute graft injury, severe adverse events, or deaths related to COVID-19.

Summary

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are currently authorized for treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 and post-exposure prophylaxis, including in SOTRs. Potential future uses include pre-exposure prophylaxis in certain high-risk persons and synergistic use along with emerging oral treatment options. Successful timely administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies requires a multidisciplinary team approach, effective communication between patients and providers, awareness of circulating viral variants, acknowledgement of various biases affecting treatment, and close monitoring for efficacy and tolerability.

Breakthrough COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients: An analysis of symptomatic cases and monoclonal antibody therapy

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at increased risk for complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Little is known regarding clinical course and outcomes of breakthrough COVID-19 in the fully vaccinated SOT population. We sought to describe our cohort of SOT recipients who developed symptomatic breakthrough COVID-19 after full vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of SOT recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 at least 14 days after completing SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Patients were analyzed according to those presenting with mild-to-moderate and severe COVID-19, respectively. We described presenting characteristics, COVID-19 therapy, and analyzed outcomes including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria. These had a mean age of 60.8 years and kidney transplant was the most common SOT type. Five patients presented with severe COVID-19 at diagnosis, all requiring hospitalization without ICU admission. From the 30 patients who presented with mild-to-moderate infection, 28 received casirivimab-imdevimab. Four of these 28 (14.3%) had an ED visit, with one requiring hospital admission (3.4%). No patients required ICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Breakthrough COVID-19 may occur in SOT recipients after full vaccination, though they appear to have acceptable outcomes. Anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapy for eligible SOT patients may have mitigated clinical progression and improved the outcomes. Further study with large cohorts is warranted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.