Long COVID Among Kidney Transplant Recipients Appears to Be Attenuated During the Omicron Predominance.

BACKGROUND: Omicron variant has been associated with milder cases of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients. However, little is known about postacute sequelae, referred to as Long COVID. METHODS: Prospective, single-center cohort study investigating prevalence and risk factors for Long COVID among kidney transplant recipients during the omicron predominance in Brazil. The analysis included adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between January 5, 2022, and July 18, 2022, were alive, had a functioning kidney transplant 3 mo after symptom onset, and answered a telephonic survey about physical complains of Long COVID. RESULTS: From the 1529 eligible, 602 (39%) patients responded the survey. Sixteen percent reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 85% had been fully vaccinated. The prevalence of Long COVID was 52%, with the most common complaints being weakness (46%), myalgia (41%), dizziness (33%), and headache (31%). Among employed patients, 94% were able to resume their normal work activities. In multivariable analysis, female gender (hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-3.02; P < 0.0001), previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.91-6.60; P < 0.0001), fatigue (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.18-4.55; P = 0.014), myalgia (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.15; P = 0.036) during the acute phase, and hospitalization because of COVID-19 (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06-2.76; P = 0.028) were independently associated with Long COVID. CONCLUSIONS: In the "omicron era," Long COVID among kidney transplant recipients exhibited milder characteristics and had a less significant impact on their ability to resume normal life activities. The risk factors for persistent symptoms were similar to those observed in the general population except for the vaccination status, underscoring the importance of closer monitoring in special subgroups.

High Prevalence of Long-COVID Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients are at a higher risk to develop more severe clinical forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), perhaps increasing the risk of presenting its long-term clinical complications, labeled as Long-COVID. METHODS: This single-center, observational, prospective study included adult kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction between March 20, 2020, and May 31, 2021, who were alive and with functioning graft 3 mo after the onset of symptoms. The prevalence of Long-COVID was investigated by a phone survey using a structured questionnaire of organic symptoms. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate independent risk factors. RESULTS: Of 1741 patients who developed COVID-19, 465 died, and 37 returned to dialysis. Of the 1239 eligible patients, 780 (63%) answered the survey during the window period. The mean age was 48 ± 12 y, 41% were women, and the mean time from transplantation was 8 ± 6 y. During acute illness, 45% needed hospitalization. Long-COVID was identified in 214 (27%) of the subjects, with body aches being the most prevalent symptom (44%). Of 233 who provided working status, 17% did not return to work within 3 mo. No baseline characteristics or infection-related variables predicted Long-COVID; actually, the number of symptoms in the acute illness was the only independent risk factor identified (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.22). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of kidney transplant recipients, Long-COVID was prevalent and associated with a reduced return to work. The burden of acute phase symptoms was the only risk factor associated with Long-COVID.