COVID-19: Clinical Course and Outcome of the Disease in Patients on Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the relationship between inflammatory parameters and comorbidities, and mortality in patients on hemodialysis with COVID-19, to determine which parameters could be used as predictors of a clinical outcome.

Methods: Sixty-eight hemodialysis patients were included, who had COVID-19. We examined comorbidities, laboratory findings (first day and seven days after a positive PCR test), symptoms, and demographic factors regarding the outcome.

Main findings: A total of 70% of patients were hospitalized. The results showed that hypertension significantly contributed to a fatal outcome. The non-survivor group had significantly higher levels of CRP, WBC, and procalcitonin after seven days, and LDH basally and after seven days.

Principal conclusions: Patients who died from COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of CRP, WBC, and procalcitonin seven days after a positive test, and LDH initially and after seven days. It was shown that the value of LDH can serve as a prognostic factor in the severity of the disease and the possible fatal outcome