The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, included an analysis of publicly available data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. They examined data for adult heart transplant candidates between Jan. 19 and May 9. They divided the time period into the pre-COVID-19 era (Jan. 19 to March 15) and the COVID-19 era (March 15 to May 9).
Here are four key findings:
1. Heart transplant volume decreased from 525 transplants between Jan. 19 and March 15 to 389 transplants between March 15 and May 9, representing a 26 percent drop.
2. Additions to heart transplant waitlists decreased from 637 in the pre-COVID-19 era to 395 in the COVID-19 era, a 37 percent decline.
3. About 600 people were taken off heart transplant waitlists between March 15 and May 9 as compared to 343 between Jan. 19 and March 15 — a 75 percent drop.
4. Recovery of hearts from dead donors declined 26 percent, from 1,878 in the pre-COVID-19 era to 1,395 in the COVID-19 era.
More articles on cardiology:
Northwell Health selects Dr. Ali Dodge-Khatami as pediatric heart surgery chief at 3 hospitals
3 Baxter Regional Heart Clinic employees test positive for COVID-19
Mount Sinai, New Jersey practice enter cardiac services partnership
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.