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Caring for Dialysis Patients in a Time of COVID-19

Ashish Verma1, Ankit B Patel1, Maria Clarissa Tio1

  • 1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Kidney Medicine
|October 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) are at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. This article outlines essential infection control and care strategies for dialysis centers during the pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a global health crisis.
  • End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, particularly those on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), have multiple comorbidities increasing their vulnerability to severe COVID-19 and adverse outcomes.
  • The high number of individuals receiving HD in outpatient centers necessitates stringent infection control measures to prevent widespread transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the critical aspects of caring for dialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To outline protective measures for patients and healthcare personnel in HD settings.
  • To provide guidance on managing dialysis patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and guidelines on COVID-19 management in renal replacement therapy.
  • Discussion of infection prevention strategies tailored for hemodialysis units.
  • Outline of clinical management protocols for COVID-19 in ESKD patients undergoing HD.

Main Results:

  • ESKD patients on HD are a vulnerable population requiring specific infection control protocols.
  • Effective prevention of SARS-CoV-2 spread within HD centers is crucial for maintaining dialysis services.
  • Management strategies include patient and healthcare worker protection, and specific care pathways for infected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing comprehensive infection control measures is paramount to protect ESKD patients and healthcare workers in dialysis centers.
  • Proactive management and adherence to guidelines are essential for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on dialysis populations.
  • Continued vigilance and adaptation of care protocols are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of dialysis patients during the pandemic.

Keywords:
COVID-19HemodialysisOutpatient dialysis unitsPeritoneal dialysis

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