Background: The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the procurement program and kidney transplantation in Slovakia and to identify the risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19 disease, as well as the risk factors for COVID-19 fatalities, with focus on the parameters preceding the infection. Methods: 305 KTRs (68.8% males) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positivity were included in the multicentric retrospective analysis. Results: The procurement program and kidney transplants in Slovakia dropped in the observed period by 28.6% (P<0.0001) and by 33.5% (P<0.0001) respectively. Age over 59 years (OR=1.03, P=0.0088) and diabetes mellitus (OR=2.04, P=0.0106) were identified as independent risk factors for severe course of the disease. Risk factors for death were age over 59 years (OR=1.05, P=0.0003) and graft dysfunction with CKD-EPI<0.5 mL/s (OR=4.87, P=0.0029). The prevalence of the alpha variant in Slovakia was associated with a severe course in KTRs treated with corticoids (OR=5.72, P=0.0273) and in graft dysfunction with CKD-EPI<0.5 mL/s (OR=2.94, P=0.0076); the risk of death was higher in KTRs over 59 years (OR=1.07, P=0.0173) and again with CKD-EPI<0.5 mL/s (OR=4.42, P=0.0393). KTRs had a 3.7 times lower risk of infection compared to hemodialysis patients (14% vs 52%, P<0.0001), with mortality of 9.8% vs 30% (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The procurement and transplant program is sustainable even during a pandemic, provided that measures are set up quickly. Morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 in KTRs was comparable to the situation in EU countries.

Introduction: The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused severe problems for healthcare facilities and infrastructure worldwide. The development of rapid diagnostic tools, effective treatment protocols, and vaccines against the pathogen has accelerated. This work aims to elucidate the benefits of recombinant human monoclonal antibodies to slow the progression of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2 infection (delta variant). Material and methods: This is a retrospective analysis with a 6-month follow-up involving all patients who received recombinant human monoclonal antibodies (MABs) casirivimab/ imdevimab at University Hospital Martin in November and December of 2021. Results: A total of 180 patients were enrolled in the cohort with a mean time to administration of symptoms were 6,01 +/-0,3 days in the group of vaccinated patients and 5,52+/-0,28 days in the group of non-vaccinated patients and a mean time to the resolution of symptoms were 4,37 +/-0,62 days in the group of vaccinated patients and 3,83 +/-0,3 days in the group with non-vaccinated patients. Of these patients, 13 developed bronchopneumonia (7,2%)—serious side effects after MAB administration were observed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Using recombinant human monoclonal antibodies casirivimab/ imdevimab to slow or to stop SARS-CoV-2 variant infection B.1.617.2 significantly affected the course of the disease. Quick diagnostics, identification of at-risk patients, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential in COVID-19 management.