COVID-19 in patients under maintenance hemodialysis; clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatments

Abstract

Introduction: The patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) who are affected with COVID-19 may be at a higher risk for severe disease and complications. Considering the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for studies investigating the various aspects of COVID-19 in patients with MHD. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with higher COVID-19- related mortality in patients under MHD. Patients and Methods: The present retrospective study included 90 patients under MHD who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and diagnosed using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from March 20, 2020, to December 20, 2020. Results: The participants’ mean age was 57.5±18.61 years, and 49 patients (54.4%) were men. Moreover, 35 patients (38.9%) were expired due to COVID-19. The most common underlying diseases included diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The patients expired due to COVID-19 had a significantly higher chance of needing oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit admission compared to survived patients. Moreover, a significant negative relationship between mineral-multivitamin supplementation and COVID-19-related mortality was detected. The prevalence of dyspnea was significantly higher in the expired patients compared to survived patients. Conclusion: The COVID-19 patients under MHD are high-risk for severe disease and mortality. Therefore, hemodialysis centers should establish strict preventive measures.