Survey of U.S. Living Kidney Donation and Transplant Practices in the COVID-19 Era.

Abstract Introduction The scope of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) practices is not well defined. Methods We surveyed U.S. transplant programs to assess practices, strategies and barriers to living LDKT during the COVID-19 pandemic. After IRB approval, the survey was distributed 5/9/20–5/30/20 by email and postings to professional society list-servs. Responses were stratified based on state COVID-19 cumulative incidence levels. Results Staff at 118 unique centers responded, representing 61% of U.S. living donor recovery programs and 75% of LKDT volume in the pre-pandemic year. Overall, 66% reported LDKT surgery was on hold (81% in “high” vs. 49% in “low” COVID-19 cumulative incidence states). Thirty-six percent reported that evaluation of new donor candidates had paused, 27% reported evaluations were very decreased (>0% to Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had broad impacts on LDKT practice. Ongoing research and consensus-building are needed to reduce barriers, guide optimal practices, and support safe restoration of LDKT across centers.