Published online Nov 28, 2021. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i44.7734
Peer-review started: July 20, 2021
First decision: August 6, 2021
Revised: August 14, 2021
Accepted: November 17, 2021
Article in press: November 17, 2021
Published online: November 28, 2021
Processing time: 127 Days and 20.4 Hours
The recent manuscript reviewed investigations involving liver damage in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, and COVID-19 in patients with previous chronic hepatological diseases, such as patients with liver graft. The literature presents several conflicting results concerning the anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in patients with solid organ transplants, in liver transplant recipients. Therefore, we would like to humbly state a few points for consideration involving liver transplant recipients and COVID-19, such as the time since transplantation, comorbidities, and immunosuppressive regimens.
Core Tip: There is not a consensus whether solid organ transplant recipients present increased severity or death rates due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with the general population. In particular, liver allograft has a low risk of rejection, therefore enabling treatment with relatively less immunosuppressive regimens. The reduction in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, without a drastic suppression of the immune response, may benefit liver transplant recipients during COVID-19. Further investigations should compare different organ transplant recipients, elapsed time from the organ transplant, different immunosuppressive treatments, and their anti-SARS-CoV-2 response.