COVID-19 in a pregnant kidney transplant recipient - what we need to know: A case report.

Abstract

Background: In the era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, kidney tran splant recipients are more susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome co ronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, developing severe morbidity and graft im pairment. Pregnant women are also more likely to develop severe COVID-19 di sease, causing pregnancy complications such as preterm births and acute kidney injury.

Case summary: Herein, we report the case of a pregnant woman with a third kidney tran splantation who developed COVID-19 disease. The reduction of immunosuppressive drugs and strict monitoring of trough blood levels were needed to avoid severe SARS-CoV-2-related complications, and permitted to continue a healthy pregnancy and maintain good graft function. In such a complex scenario, the con comitance of COVID-19-related morbidity, the risk of acute rejection in the hype rimmune recipient, graft dysfunction and pregnancy complications make the management of immunosuppression a very difficult task and clinicians must be aware.

Conclusion: Tailoring the immunosuppressive regimen is a key factor affecting both the graft outcome and pregnancy safety.