Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
08:50
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
16.6K
[COVID-19, THE KIDNEY AND HYPERTENSION]
Avital Angel-Korman1, Tal Brosh2, Karina Glick3
1Nephrology and Hypertension Institute, Samson Assuta University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.
Harefuah
|April 21, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges for hemodialysis patients, who are often elderly and immunocompromised. Medical staff face complex logistical and medical hurdles in providing essential dialysis treatments during this global health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Nephrology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic disease originating in bats.
- The virus enters human cells via the ACE2 enzyme, which is present in renal tubular epithelial cells.
- COVID-19 can cause lower respiratory tract infections, progressing to respiratory or multi-organ failure in severe cases.
Discussion:
- The interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with ACE2 in kidney cells may lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), proteinuria, and microhematuria.
- RAAS inhibitors (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) upregulate ACE2, potentially explaining comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes in severe COVID-19 cases.
- The risk of COVID-19 infection in chronic kidney disease patients remains unclear, but hemodialysis is a critical, life-saving intervention.
Key Insights:
- Hemodialysis patients are a vulnerable population due to age and immunocompromised status.
- Maintaining dialysis treatment is essential for patient survival, despite infection risks.
- The pandemic presents significant medical and logistical challenges for dialysis units.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to clarify COVID-19 risks in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients.
- Developing strategies to mitigate infection risk and manage care for these patients is crucial.
- Adapting healthcare systems to address the needs of vulnerable patient groups during pandemics is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
477
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
477
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
3.5K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
3.5K
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
210
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
210
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
620
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
620
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
465
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
465
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
269
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
269