P137 COVID-19 in cystic fibrosis patients with and without lung transplantation: the Zurich cohort

Objectives: Reports on short- and long-term presentations of COVID-19 in CF patients is limited. We aimed to describe clinical features and outcomes of all our CF patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021 (ongoing observation). Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data and treatment of CF patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR or serological evidence (n = 11). Results: Mean age at presentation was 32 (23–48) years, 27% (n = 3) were female. Six patients (55%) had a previous lung transplantation (post-Ltx). Two patients were on modulator therapy (Trikafta® and Symdeco®). The most common presenting symptoms were cough (36%), fever (27%), headache (27%) and dyspnea (18%). Nine patients (82%) had mild disease and were treated as outpatients. Two patients (18%) were post-LTx and were hospitalised with severe disease (1 on the normal ward, 1 in the intensive care unit). The most notable laboratory findings were lymphopenia, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein. In the two hospitalised patients, computed tomography of the chest showed ground-glass opacities with consolidations;1 patient additionally had a small pleural effusion. These 2 patients were treated with remdesivir, as well as broad-spectrum antibiotics (meropenem). The patients with mild disease were treated with co-amoxicillin (n = 3, 27%). Dexamethasone was given in selected cases. Mechanical ventilation was not necessary for any of these patients. The hospitalised patients received oxygen by nasal cannula and high-flow oxygen therapy. All patients recovered. Residual symptoms are being monitored. Conclusion: This is the first study of an adult CF-COVID-19 cohort in Switzerland, which included patients who underwent lung transplantation. Cough, fever, headache and dyspnea were the most common symptoms. Two patients (27%) had severe disease. The majority had a benign course and long-term symptoms are still under investigation.