The effects of COVID‐19 on pediatric and adult solid organ transplant recipients and the emergence of telehealth

Abstract

Background The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and corresponding acute respiratory syndrome have affected all populations and led to millions of deaths worldwide. The pandemic disproportionately affected immunocompromised and immunosuppressed adult patients who had received solid organ transplants (SOTs). With the onset of the pandemic, transplant societies across the world recommended reducing SOT activities to avoid exposing immunosuppressed recipients. Due to the risk of COVID‐19‐related outcomes, SOT providers adapted the way they deliver care to their patients, leading to a reliance on telehealth. Telehealth has helped organ transplant programs continue treatment regimens while protecting patients and physicians from COVID‐19 transmission. This review highlights the adverse effects of COVID‐19 on transplant activities and summarizes the increased role of telehealth in the management of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) in both pediatric and adult populations. Methods A comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to accentuate the outcomes of COVID‐19 and analyze the efficacy of telehealth on transplant activities. This in‐depth examination summarizes extensive data on the clinical detriments of COVID‐19 in transplant recipients, advantages, disadvantages, patient/physician perspectives, and effectiveness in transplant treatment plans via telehealth. Results COVID‐19 has caused an increase in mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and ICU admission in SOTRs. Telehealth efficacy and benefits to both patients and physicians have increasingly been reported. Conclusions Developing effective systems of telehealth delivery has become a top priority for healthcare providers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of telehealth in other settings.