Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 9, 2025

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

833

COVID-19 Pandemic-induced Healthcare Disruption and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Richard Liu1, Rahul Abraham2, Sarah E Conderino1

  • 1Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Journal of General Internal Medicine
|September 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted chronic kidney disease (CKD) care, reducing healthcare visits and accelerating kidney function decline in 2020. Post-pandemic care improvements may have slowed this decline.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare systems.
  • Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) faced unique challenges and potential care disruptions.
  • Understanding pandemic's impact on CKD progression is crucial for future healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-seeking behavior in CKD patients.
  • To assess the effect of pandemic-related care disruptions on CKD progression.
  • To analyze trends in kidney function decline and healthcare visits among CKD patients in New York City.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 84,062 CKD patients (≥50 years) using electronic health records (2017-2022).
  • Defined care disruption as fewer visits than recommended by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.
  • Employed linear mixed-effects models to analyze estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes and visit trends.

Main Results:

  • Healthcare visits declined sharply in 2020, with incomplete recovery by 2022.
  • A pronounced eGFR decline of 10.6% occurred in 2020, followed by slower declines.
  • Patients with previously inadequate care showed increased visits during the pandemic, while others maintained recommended levels.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted CKD care, leading to reduced healthcare access and accelerated kidney function decline in 2020.
  • Post-2020 improvements in kidney function decline may be linked to enhanced healthcare utilization and new therapeutic approaches.
  • Findings highlight the vulnerability of CKD patients during public health crises and the need for resilient healthcare strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19New York Citycare disruptionchronic kidney disease progressionelectronic health recordsretrospective cohort study

More Related Videos

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

16.4K
Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform07:13

Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform

Published on: April 12, 2021

4.5K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

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...
65
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

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...
77
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

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...
81
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

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...
57
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
86
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of...
54