ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Changes in Liver Transplant Volume and Induction During the Covid-19 Era

T. Alhamad, J. Wellen, K. Lentine, M. Doyke, W. Chapman, Y. Al-Hosni, D. Axelrod, S. Chang

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO

Meeting: 2021 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 1093

Keywords: Infection, Liver grafts

Topic: Clinical Science » Liver » Liver: Immunosuppression and Rejection

Session Information

Session Name: Liver: Immunosuppression and Rejection

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Session Date & Time: None. Available on demand.

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: The rapid spread and high infectivity of COVID-19 resulted in disruption of transplant procedures at many centers, including pauses in living donor transplantation and limitation of life-saving transplants to candidates with highest need. We examined the contemporary trend of liver transplant, donor volume, and recipient induction regimens prior and during the pandemic.

*Methods: Data on liver transplant procedures from the national organ registries, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, 1/1/2019-5/31/2020) and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (6/1/2020-9/30/2020) were used. We excluded multiple organ transplantation.

*Results: There were 6,316 liver transplant performed between Jan 2020 and Sep 2020, compared to 5,972 in the same period in 2019. The volume of deceased donor liver transplant plummeted in March, reached a nadir in April, and increased starting from May to return to the level similar to the same month in 2019. Similar trends were seen for the liver organs that were recovered for transplant. For induction regimens, there was a decrease in the use of thymoglobulin and basiliximab, and an increase of no induction regimen, which usually involves intravenous steroids without antibody induction. Figure 1. Figure 2

*Conclusions: While there is a decrease in the use of thymoglobulin and basiliximab, there is no evidence that avoiding induction agents will result in better outcomes if transplant recipients get exposed to SARS-CoV-2 shortly after transplant. More data is needed to examine the risk and severity of infection according to induction therapy.

 border=

 border=

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Alhamad T, Wellen J, Lentine K, Doyke M, Chapman W, Al-Hosni Y, Axelrod D, Chang S. Changes in Liver Transplant Volume and Induction During the Covid-19 Era [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2021; 21 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/changes-in-liver-transplant-volume-and-induction-during-the-covid-19-era/. Accessed May 12, 2025.

« Back to 2021 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences