The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a large number of indirect deaths. These occur when patients with unrelated conditions defer treatment, for fear of contracting the pandemic virus. Life-saving organ transplants and COVID are caught up in a deadly embrace too, according to Up To Date’s advice. We turned to National Kidney Foundation to uncover the key points surrounding this situation.
Post-Transplant Patients at Higher Risk from Severe COVID
‘The idea that COVID-19 is sparing of younger people is false’ according to National Kidney Foundation. ‘Parents need to take the virus seriously’ they continue, because transplant recipients take immune suppressive drugs.
Therefore, pre- and post-transplant patients should accept COVID and life-saving organ transplants are in a reciprocal relationship. Even young children need to learn how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. They should contact their health care professional the moment they show symptoms of the pandemic disease.
COVID Severity and Life-Saving Organ Transplants for Children
The American Society of Transplantation told National Kidney Foundation they don’t have accurate statistics. However, they do have evidence ‘children, teens, and young adults are at greater risk for severe complications from COVID-19’.
That’s because most kids admitted to intensive care for COVID-19 complications have underlying conditions. And moreover, if they are transplant patients they are also on immune-suppressive drugs that make them more vulnerable.
We follow up on a recent study in our next post. This suggests children may develop their own unique reactions to a COVID-19 infection. However, we are not of the opinion parents should reject the idea of life-saving organ transplants outright.
It is a question surely of balancing the risks and the benefits, which is a tipping point in many other situations too. At times like this it can be wisest to follow the best professional advice we can obtain. And then to be mindful to scrupulously follow their pre- and post-operation advice.
Breaking News
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Preview Image: Transplant Safety and Kids
