Features of Coronavirus Infection in a Renal Transplant Recipient

Abstract

The new coronavirus infection poses a particular threat to patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including those with a history of organ transplantation. The article provides a clinical observation of coronavirus infection in a kidney transplant recipient. Patient M., 61 years old, was admitted to the infectious diseases department of the Kursk City Clinical Hospital No. 4 with complaints of high fever, cough, shortness of breath, severe weakness, loss of appetite. When examining a swab from the nose and throat by PCR for SARS-Cov-2 RNA, a positive result was obtained. Based on the clinical picture, computed tomography of the lungs, positive PCR result for SARS-Cov-2 RNA, the diagnosis was made: Coronavirus infection Covid-19 confirmed, moderate form. Bilateral polysegmental pneumonia of moderate severity. RF - 0-I degree (CT-1). Bilateral nephrosclerosis. Condition after kidney transplant (2006). On the fifth day, the patient's condition worsened, which was combined with the progression of lung damage according to CT of the chest to 45% (CT-2), the appearance of signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Taking into account the severity of the patient's condition, a consultation was held with a transplantologist and a decision was made to correct immunosuppressive therapy with temporary withdrawal of cyclosporine. Over the next two days, the patient's condition remained stably grave. Subsequently, against the background of complex therapy, including glucocorticosteroids, antibacterial drugs, monoclonal antibodies to the interleukin-6 receptor, positive dynamics was noted in the form of a decrease in shortness of breath, cough, normalization of body temperature, and an increase in SpO2 up to 95%. This was combined with the restoration of disturbed laboratory parameters and the positive dynamics of the inflammatory process in the lungs according to CT scans. The treatment of kidney transplant recipients with Covid-19 has a number of features due to a pronounced suppression of the immune system against the background of immunosuppressive therapy and, as a result, the development of a severe infection, often with impaired graft function. At the same time, despite the severity of the course of the infectious process, the complete abolition of immunosuppressive therapy is not carried out, but its correction is carried out in the form of the exclusion of one of the drugs and a decrease in the dose of other immunosuppressants. Coronavirus infection in patients with a history of organ transplantation justifies the need for timely hospitalization and correction of immunosuppressive therapy to prevent a severe course of the disease and adverse outcomes.