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[Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from a nephrological perspective]
Elion Hoxha1, Anna Suling2, Jan Eric Turner3
1III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland. ehoxha@uke.de.
Der Internist
|June 9, 2021
Summary
Dialysis patients in Germany experienced two COVID-19 waves, with prevalence peaking at 1.9% in December. High mortality, up to 20%, underscores the need for enhanced hygiene and vaccination strategies for this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to nephrology patients, particularly those with chronic kidney disease.
- Kidney failure is a common organ complication in severe COVID-19 cases, second only to lung failure.
- Dialysis patients represent a highly vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence and mortality rates of COVID-19 among dialysis patients in Germany during the pandemic's first wave.
- To establish a reliable registry for tracking COVID-19 cases in German dialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a dedicated registry for dialysis patients by the German Society of Nephrology in spring 2020.
- Weekly collection and analysis of data on the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 in dialysis patients.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 prevalence in German dialysis patients followed a two-wave pattern, mirroring the general population.
- Prevalence reached 1.4% in spring 2020, decreased in summer, and rose to 1.9% in December 2020.
- Dialysis patients in Germany exhibited a high COVID-19 lethality rate, reaching up to 20%.
Conclusions:
- High mortality necessitates immediate improvements in hygiene protocols and vaccination strategies for dialysis patients and healthcare workers.
- Frequent kidney involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections warrants consistent nephrological follow-up for affected individuals, even those without prior kidney disease.
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