The impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and COVID‐19 on lung transplantation in the UK: Lessons learned from the first wave

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is particularly susceptible to the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, and evaluation of changes to practice is required to inform future decision‐making. METHODS: A retrospective review of the UK Transplant Registry (UKTR) and national survey of UK lung transplant centers has been performed. RESULTS: There was geographic variation in the prevalence of COVID‐19 infection across the UK. The number of donors fell by 48% during the early pandemic period. Lung utilization fell to 10% (compared with 24% for the same period of 2019). The number of lung transplants performed fell by 77% from 53, March to May 2019, to 12. Seven (58%) of these were performed in a single‐center, designated “COVID‐light.” The number of patients who died on the lung transplant waiting list increased, compared to the same period of 2019 (p = .0118). Twenty‐six lung transplant recipients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: As the pandemic continues, reviewing practice and implementing the lessons learned during this period, including the use of robust donor testing strategies and the provision of “COVID‐light” hospitals, are vital in ensuring the safe continuation of our lung transplant program.