Treatment adherence and behavior of pediatric liver transplant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical care worldwide. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric LT recipients.
METHODS:A cross-sectional study based on a structured internet or telephone survey was conducted among pediatric LT recipients. Survey results were compared with results of a survey conducted among pediatric patients with IBD.
RESULTS:Seventy-six pediatric LT patients participated in the study. Of them, 58 (76.3%) reported fear of severe COVID-19 infection due to LT or LT-associated medications. Half of the patients reported needing emotional support. Most patients (51, 67.1%) reported strictly following official guidance, while more stringent protective measures were taken by 64 (84.2%) patients. None of the patients discontinued their medications due to COVID-19. Compared to pediatric patients with IBD, a higher proportion of pediatric LT recipients reported fears of contracting severe COVID-19 infection due to their illness or medications (45, 59.2% vs. 110, 45.1%).
CONCLUSION:Among pediatric LT recipients a higher proportion reported fear of severe COVID-19 infection, implemented additional protective measures and expressed a need for emotional support, compared to patients with IBD. Medical teams should provide adequate information and offer a support system for this vulnerable population.
Organ: | Liver |
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Language: | English |
Country: | Israel |
MeSH terms: | COVID-19; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Liver Transplantation; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Transplant Recipients; Treatment Adherence and Compliance |