Recommendations for Kidney Patients in COVID-19 Era Based on Current Evidence

Abstract

Patients with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of mortality and morbidity due to coronavirus disease-19. Most patients with chronic kidney disease are elderly and have other comorbidities. In addition, some of these patients have been exposed to immunosuppressive drugs to treat their underlying primary disease or to prevent allograft rejection. This general profile of chronic kidney disease patients renders them susceptible to a more severe course of coronavirus disease-19 once they are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Many studies showed that impaired kidney function on admission is an independent risk factor for a more severe course of coronavirus disease-19 with significantly increased risk for hospital and intensive care unit admission, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and death. Coronavirus disease-19 vaccination is crucial to create immunity in the general community, but the evidence addressing this specific population is scarce. However, based on the current evidence, all patients with chronic kidney disease are strongly recommended to receive the available vaccine in their country against coronavirus disease-19, and booster doses will presumably prove necessary for this group of patients. Furthermore, vigilant use of protective measures is strongly recommended for this patient population. Current studies and recommendations from health authorities should be followed closely.