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COVID-19 of dialysis patients in Japan: Current status and guidance on preventive measures
Insights
Dialysis patients in Japan experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and a higher mortality rate (16.2%) compared to the general population. This highlights the need for stringent infection control measures in dialysis facilities.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The first COVID-19 case in Japanese dialysis patients was reported on March 1, 2020.
- Cases rapidly increased, mirroring the general population's surge.
- Dialysis patients represent a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in Japanese dialysis patients.
- To compare COVID-19 outcomes in dialysis patients versus the general population.
- To emphasize the importance of infection control in dialysis settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported COVID-19 cases in dialysis patients in Japan.
- Comparison of mortality rates between dialysis patients and the general population.
- Analysis of demographic data, including age distribution.
Main Results:
- A total of 99 COVID-19 cases were reported in dialysis patients by May 15, 2020.
- The mortality rate for dialysis patients was 16.2%, significantly higher than the general population's 5.3%.
- Dialysis patients with COVID-19 were predominantly older (70-90 years) than the general population (20-60 years).
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 poses a severe threat to dialysis patients, with a markedly higher mortality rate.
- Older age is a potential contributing factor to the increased mortality in this cohort.
- Strict adherence to infection prevention protocols and hospitalization policies are crucial for managing COVID-19 in dialysis facilities.
Abstract:
In Japan, the first case of COVID-19 in dialysis patients was reported on March 1, 2020. A total of 31 cases were reported by April 10, and it increased to 95 by May 15. Thereafter, with the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the general population since late March, there was a not surprising increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in dialysis patients. The mortality rate is 16.2% (16/99 cases) in dialysis patients, which is higher than 5.3% (874/16 532 cases) in the general population. This higher mortality rate in dialysis patients with COVID-19 might be related to their age; the majority of COVID-19 cases are aged between 70 and 90 years old in dialysis patients, compared with between 20 and 60 years old in the general population. As COVID-19 presents with severe symptoms and is associated with a high mortality rate in dialysis patients, dialysis patients who have contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing are required to be hospitalized under Japanese government policy. In cases of COVID-19 hospitalizations, it is essential to prevent nosocomial infection. Therefore, patients must be sufficiently instructed in infection prevention and robust measures to prevent contraction and spread of the infection must be taken at dialysis facilities.
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