Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 testing and organ procurement from deceased donors in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

We present a summary of the evidence on testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and organ procurement from deceased donors and provide recommendations based on current clinical data and the guidelines from major transplant organizations. Because of the limited historical experience with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), certain recommendations in this document are based on theoretical rationales rather than clinical data. The recommendations in this manuscript may be subject to revision as subsequent clinical studies provide definitive evidence regarding COVID-19 in organ procurement.

Successful heart transplantation from a COVID‐19‐positive donor: A clinical case report

“…4,5 Based on recent updates in Recommendations and Guidance for Organ Donor Testing and Evaluation, non-lung donors are accepted as heart donors because of the low possibility of transmission of infection. 6 Samuel T. Kim and his colleagues declared that there was no significant difference between in-hospital, 30-day, and cumulative death in positive COVID-19 and nonpositive COVID-19 heart donors. Postsurgical complications including, infections, graft rejection, multi-organ failure, stroke, and dialysis were not higher in those received from positive COVID-19 heart donors.…”

“…According to previous studies, SARS–CoV–2‐positive donor hearts are known to increase the number of available donor hearts, reduce waiting periods, and improve survival rates for patients waiting for heart transplants 4,5 . Based on recent updates in Recommendations and Guidance for Organ Donor Testing and Evaluation, non‐lung donors are accepted as heart donors because of the low possibility of transmission of infection 6 …”

“…4 , 5 Based on recent updates in Recommendations and Guidance for Organ Donor Testing and Evaluation, non‐lung donors are accepted as heart donors because of the low possibility of transmission of infection. 6 …”