How did the COVID-19 pandemic period affect the patients on the cadaver waiting list? A single-center experience

Aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, kidney transplantations have decreased worldwide and in Turkiye. This study aimed to explore the expected increase in the number of patients on the cadaver waiting list and the factors influencing this outcome. Methods: We analyzed data from kidney transplant candidates during the pandemic period, focusing on mortality rates, causes of death, and patient behavior, such as attendance to routine transplant polyclinic visits. Results: Although an increase in the number of patients on the cadaver waiting list was expected, a decrease was reported in some centers. Mortality rates were higher in kidney transplant candidates due to COVID-19, but the highest death rate was still attributed to cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the number of patients attending routine transplant polyclinic visits decreased due to fear of infection. Conclusion: The expected increase in patients on the cadaver waiting list was not observed, likely due to higher mortality rates and decreased clinic visits during the pandemic. The dilemma of transplantation and infection during the pandemic is a challenging issue, requiring careful follow-up in experienced centers.