Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel and lethal infectious disease, posing a threat to global health security. The number of cases has increased rapidly, but no data concerning kidney transplant (KTx) recipients infected with COVID-19 are available. To present the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of KTx recipients infected with COVID-19, we report on a case series of five patients who were confirmed as having COVID-19 through nucleic acid testing (NAT) from January 1, 2020 to February 28, 2020. The most common symptoms on admission to hospital were fever (five patients, 100%), cough (five patients, 100%), myalgia or fatigue (three patients, 60%), and sputum production (three patients, 60%); serum creatinine or urea nitrogen levels were slightly higher than those before symptom onset. Four patients received a reduced dose of maintenance immunosuppressive therapy during hospitalization. As of March 4, 2020 NAT was negative for COVID-19 in three patients twice in succession, and their computed tomography scans showed improved images. Although greater patient numbers and long-term follow-up data are needed, our series demonstrates that mild COVID-19 infection in KTx recipients can be managed using symptomatic support therapy combined with adjusted maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in anti-Asian sentiment, discrimination, and hate crimes, which have consequences for Asian American students and their families. As school districts prepared to reopen in Fall 2021, discussions and plans largely emphasized preventing infection and disruptions to learning. Asian American families' discrimination experiences and their recommendations for schools to address possible COVID-19-related racial bullying and discrimination have been overlooked. The present study is based on semistructured interviews conducted between April and June 2020 with 47 Chinese American parents with adolescents ages 12-17 years. Thematic and content analyses revealed significant parental concerns about adolescents' experiences with bullying and discrimination as well as a widespread fear for family safety. Parents' school recommendations reflected their desire for school administrators and staff to take a firm stance against COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination while treading carefully on race topics for fear of singling out Asian American students. This study emphasizes contextual factors that influence adolescents' experiences of racial discrimination during the early stages of the pandemic and advocates for a more holistic approach to addressing students' learning and psychological well-being that elevates the voices of impacted families. What is the public significance of this article?The present study illustrates Chinese American parents' heightened concerns about family safety and adolescent racial discrimination during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Xenophobia and related violence during COVID-19 have effects on adolescents' lives and school adjustment beyond the pandemic. Our report of parents' recommendations for schools in addressing anti-Asian racism following the COVID-19 lockdown highlights the need for incorporating family voice in the implementation of culture responsive school intervention practices and policies that advance equity and social justice.

ObjectiveHypertension (HTN) is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), representing a key risk factor for cardiovascular and renal disease. We described HTN treatment patterns in SLE, evaluated uncontrolled HTN according to Canadian and American guidelines and identified factors associated with uncontrolled HTN.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study, identifying all McGill Lupus Clinic registry patients with an annual visit between January 2017 and May 2019 who were taking HTN medications. We excluded those taking medications only for another indication (eg, Raynaud’s). We determined the frequency of uncontrolled HTN according to Canadian and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex and race/ethnicity) evaluated if uncontrolled HTN was more common with high body mass index (BMI), longer SLE duration, high disease activity, renal damage, multiple concomitant antihypertensives, prednisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.ResultsOf 442 patients with SLE, 108 were taking medications to treat HTN, and 38 took multiple medications concurrently. Angiotensin-receptor blockers were most common, followed by calcium channel blockers, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers. Among the 108 patients, 39.8% (n=43) had blood pressure (BP) >140/90 mm Hg, while 66.7% (n=72) had BP >130/80 mm Hg. In multivariate analyses, uncontrolled HTN (>130/80 mm Hg) was more likely in Caucasians (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.12 to 6.78) and patients with higher BMI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.19). Patients with renal damage had better HTN control (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.97). We could not draw definitive conclusions regarding other variables.ConclusionCaucasians and patients with higher BMI had more uncontrolled HTN. The negative association with renal damage is reassuring, as controlled BP is key for renal protection.