Keywords
COVID-19
Cornea
Transplant
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corneal donations and transplantations in Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2019 and 2022. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study based on secondary data analysis. Data were collected from the Pernambuco Eye Bank, the State Transplant Center of Pernambuco (CET), the National Transplant System (SNT), and the Brazilian Organ Transplant Association (ABTO). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing descriptive and inferential methods to evaluate variables such as the number of donations, transplants performed, discarded corneas, and the waiting list. Results: A total of 2,477 corneal transplants were performed during the study period. In 2020, the number of transplants dropped by 59.72%, from 812 in 2019 to 327, due to the pandemic's impact. A gradual recovery was observed in subsequent years, with 684 transplants in 2021 and 649 in 2022. The waiting list increased from 17 patients in 2019 to 945 in 2022. Conclusion: The study highlighted the significant reduction in transplants during the pandemic and underscored the need for public policies, interinstitutional collaboration, and the adoption of technologies to optimize corneal donation and transplantation, ensuring greater efficiency in addressing future crises.
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