Solid-organ transplantation activity has decreased even in regions where COVID-19 prevalence was low, suggesting a global effect beyond the local COVID-19 prevalence.

A recent article published in Nature approaches liver transplantation (LT) programs worldwide during the coronavirus crisis makes a review of the issue which has bioethical implications.

The author says, “Given the potential negative consequences of organ transplantation, multiple organizations have released recommendations stating that all possible organs from deceased donors with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be deferred, including those from otherwise medically eligible donors with mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection”.

Liver transplantation urgency

However, due to the shortage of liver donor organs and high risk of waitlist mortality, some advocate utilizing COVID-19-positive liver donors in selected cases. The rationale is the low (albeit not null) proportion of viraemic cases and no recognized SARS-CoV-2 transfusion transmissions, as well as the absence of evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the liver in the minimal number of autopsy studies.” The suggestion is being studied, but with the limited cases studies is very difficult to be approved.