COVID‐19 pandemic deteriorates aftercare attendance in heart transplant recipients independently of perceived impact on social life

Abstract

Background Heart transplant (HTx) recipients are at increased risk of developing infections or malignancies due to immunosuppressive medication. Thus, regular aftercare in those patients is of utmost importance. The extent of collateral damage due to the COVID‐19 pandemic (delayed or canceled clinical visits and diagnostics) on high‐risk patients is yet unknown. We believe that, especially for HTx‐patients, data acquisition on potential pandemic‐related non‐attendance is crucial to improve clinical care in the future. Therefore, we aim to decipher possible COVID‐19‐related alterations in attendance to clinical care post‐HTx using a survey‐based approach. Methods HTx recipients two years beyond transplantation were selected (n = 75). We filed a paper‐based questionnaire or an online survey containing nine items about COVID‐19 related exceptional circumstances. Fifty‐two patients (69%) returned fully answered questionnaires. Results A perceived impact on daily life was evident with 79% of all patients reporting moderate to severe negative influence of COVID‐19 pandemic on daily routine. We detected increased non‐attendance of clinical care during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to pre‐pandemic time (38% vs. 6%, p<0.0001). The various diagnostic modalities of aftercare were heterogeneously affected, ranging from 2% non‐attendance for influence vaccination and 18% for colonoscopy. Off note, non‐attendance to clinical care within the pandemic was independent of perceived impact of the pandemia on daily life (p>0.68). Conclusions For the first time, we objectively demonstrate significant decrease in attendance to clinical care in HTx recipients during COVID‐19 pandemic. Efforts are needed to increase attendance in this highly vulnerable patient cohort. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved