Clinical Profile, management and outcomes of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients

The worldwide spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, poses a significant challenge to the patients with chronic kidney disease. Especially renal transplant recipients are deemed to be more vulnerable, considering their state of immunosuppression. Solid organ transplant recipients may be at increased risk also as they have frequent contact with the health care system. Clinical features of COVID-19 among kidney recipients are not well documented but we know from our previous experience with infectious disease in this population that they can be dissimilar to those in nonimmunocompromised patients. Additional studies are required to determine the impact of specific immunosuppressive agents on the course of COVID-19 infection.Optimal management of COVID19 in kidney transplant recipients is not known and there is very scarce evidence about outcomes of COVID19 in kidney transplant recipients. We propose a retrospective observational study to evaluate the clinical profile, management and outcomes of COVID19 in kidney recipients. All recipients admitted to hospital with COVID19 will be enrolled in the study. Details of their demographics, presentation, investigations, treatment and outcome will be recorded from their files at the time of discharge or in an unfortunate event of death. There will be no extra investigation or cost for the purpose if the study.  The results of this study will fill the lacunae in the knowledge of presentation, management and outcomes of this disease. It will help us in improving our understanding of behavior of COVID19 in kidney transplant recipients which will enable us to better manage the patients in future.