COVID-TX GENDER

<strong>ABSTRACT</strong> <strong>INTRODUCTION</strong> Current literature diverges on the impact of COVID-19 in Liver Transplant recipients, and no studies have yet directly focused on the gender differences within the presentation of COVID-19 in LT recipients. This study seeks to report the impact of COVID-19 in LT recipients, focusing on the gender differences encountered in disease presentation and progression in this population. <strong>METHODS</strong> This study was a multicentric historical cohort. Patient records were submitted by an online questionnaire. The primary endpoint was COVID-related death. We also collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data regarding presentation and disease progression. <strong> RESULTS</strong> We included 283 patients in the study, of which 76 were female, and 207 were male. The median follow-up time was 99 days (IQR 38,283) for males and 126 (IQR = 44-291) days for females. There was a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease in males (p=0.002). Females frequently displayed a lost sense of smell (p=0.021), and males had the fever (p=0.031). Median ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were significantly higher in males (p =0.008 and 0.004, respectively). There was a tendency for increased mortality in males, and this trend did not reach statistical significance. <strong>CONCLUSION</strong> To our knowledge, this is the first study to approach gender differences between COVID-19 infection in LT recipients, notably in symptoms at presentation and liver function tests. Our results suggest a comprehensive and individualised treatment of this patient population and for further understanding of the disease presentation in these patients.