Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Cases with ESRD Hospitalized with COVID-19

Abstract

Background

The novel coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is quickly expanding, posing significant difficulties for patients with hemodialysis maintenance. The clinical manifestations and consequences of COVID-19-treated ESRD patients are presented here.

Methods

ESRD individuals treated with COVID-19 were studied in a retrospective cohort research at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital North Nazimabad in Karachi, Pakistan, between June 2020 and March 2021.

Findings

The ESRD group had lesser symptoms than others. Shortness of breath, fever, and cough were common symptoms, with statistically significant p values (p.007, p.001, and p.033, respectively). Lower median hemoglobin count (10 vs. 12.4; p0.001) and significantly higher inflammatory markers, such as d-dimer and serum ferritin levels (2922 vs. 1275; p.001, 2681 vs. 754; p.001, respectively), were found in the ESRD group. The median lymphocyte count was lower and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase, were greater in dying ESRD patients; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. The majority of the patients in the ESRD cohort were admitted with no oxygen requirements. Discharge, expiry, need for ICU hospitalization and invasive assisted ventilation remained statistically non-significant between the two groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients in ESRD cohort were discharged earlier (5.12 vs. 7.13 days; Log Rank p.013), had lower survival (3.75 vs. 7.29 days; Log Rank p.005). The ESRD cohort, on the other hand, required ICU admission much sooner after the beginning of symptoms. (4.8 vs. 8.13 days; Log Rank p.020).

Conclusion

Symptoms were milder in the ESRD cohort. Results across ESRD versus non-ESRD groups were, however, virtually identical.