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Doctors say they're seeing an increase in organ transplants during the pandemic

In the U.S. alone, there are currently around 114,000 people awaiting an organ transplant. It can be an isolating experience, but a new online platform is looking to help
Posted at 6:37 AM, Apr 13, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-13 09:37:15-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The pandemic is adding to an already long list of people needing organ transplants.

A doctor at Johns Hopkins University says hospital are seeing a surge in patients who heart and lungs have been severely damaged. The United Network for organ sharing says surgeons performed nearly 60 transplants through March, for people with COVID-related organ disease.

54 patients needed lung transplants and four needed a new heart. More than two dozen people remain on waiting lists.

Doctors says it;s not known how many COVID survivors will need organ transplants, and suggest starting a registry to track the outcomes.