The Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The impact of hypertension on clinical manifestations of Omicron variant BA.1 infection in adult patients

COVID-19 caused by Omicron BA.1 has resulted in a global humanitarian crisis. In this COVID-19 pandemic era, hypertension has been receiving increased attention. Omicron BA.1 infection combined with hypertension created a serious public health problem and complicated the treatment and prognosis of COVID-19. The aim of our study was to assess the implications of hypertension for the clinical manifestations of adult patients (APs) infected with Omicron BA.1. This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive COVID-19 APs, who were admitted to Tianjin First Central Hospital from 01 August 2022 to 30 November 2022. All included APs were divided into two groups: hypertension and non-hypertension group. The APs' baseline demographic, laboratory, clinical, and radiological characteristics were collected and analyzed. Of 512 APs admitted with PCR proven COVID-19, 161 (31.45%) APs had comorbid hypertension. Hypertension APs have older age, higher body mass index, lower Ct-values of the viral target genes at admission, and longer hospital stay than non-hypertension APs. Furthermore, hypertension aggravates the clinical classification, impairs liver, kidney, and myocardium function, and abnormalizes the coagulation system in Omicron BA.1- infected APs. Moreover, hypertension elevates inflammation levels and lung lesion involvement while weakened virus-specific IgM level in APs with Omicron BA.1 infection. Hypertension APs tend to have worse clinical conditions at baseline than those non-hypertension APs. This study indicates that hypertension is a contributor to the poor clinical manifestations of Omicron BA.1-infected APs and supports that steps to control blood pressure should be a vital consideration for reducing the burden of Omicron BA.1 infection in hypertension individuals.

IMPORTANCE

This study provided inclusive insight regarding the relationship between hypertension and Omicron BA.1 infection and supported that hypertension was an adverse factor for COVID-19 APs. In conclusion, this study showed that hypertension was considered to be associated with severe conditions, and a contributor to poor clinical manifestations. Proper medical management of hypertension patients is an imperative step in mitigating the severity of Omicron BA.1 variant infection.

Renal implications of coronavirus disease 2019: insights into viral tropism and clinical outcomes

In recent years, multiple coronaviruses have emerged, with the latest one, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing a global pandemic. Besides respiratory symptoms, some patients experienced extrapulmonary effects, such as cardiac damage or renal injury, indicating the broad tropism of SARS-CoV-2. The ability of the virus to effectively invade the renal cellular environment can eventually cause tissue-specific damage and disease. Indeed, patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 exhibited a variety of symptoms such as acute proximal tubular injury, ischemic collapse, and severe acute tubular necrosis resulting in irreversible kidney failure. This review summarizes the current knowledge on how it is believed that SARS-CoV-2 influences the renal environment and induces kidney disease, as well as current therapy approaches.

Multidisciplinary Management Strategies for Long COVID: A Narrative Review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of infections to date and has led to a worldwide pandemic. Most patients had a complete recovery from the acute infection, however, a large number of the affected individuals experienced symptoms that persisted more than 3 months after diagnosis. These symptoms most commonly include fatigue, memory difficulties, brain fog, dyspnea, cough, and other less common ones such as headache, chest pain, paresthesias, mood changes, muscle pain, and weakness, skin rashes, and cardiac, endocrine, renal and hepatic manifestations. The treatment of this syndrome remains challenging. A multidisciplinary approach to address combinations of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems has been widely adopted. This narrative review aims to bridge the gap surrounding the broad treatment approaches by providing an overview of multidisciplinary management strategies for the most common long COVID conditions.

Specific and Non-specific Aspects and Future Challenges of ICU Care Among COVID-19 Patients with Obesity: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since the end of 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected nearly 800 million people and caused almost seven million deaths. Obesity was quickly identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19, ICU admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ support including mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay. The relationship among obesity; COVID-19; and respiratory, thrombotic, and renal complications upon admission to the ICU is unclear.

RECENT FINDINGS

The predominant effect of a hyperinflammatory status or a cytokine storm has been suggested in patients with obesity, but more recent studies have challenged this hypothesis. Numerous studies have also shown increased mortality among critically ill patients with obesity and COVID-19, casting doubt on the obesity paradox, with survival advantages with overweight and mild obesity being reported in other ICU syndromes. Finally, it is now clear that the increase in the global prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major public health issue that must be accompanied by a transformation of our ICUs, both in terms of equipment and human resources. Research must also focus more on these patients to improve their care. In this review, we focused on the central role of obesity in critically ill patients during this pandemic, highlighting its specificities during their stay in the ICU, identifying the lessons we have learned, and identifying areas for future research as well as the future challenges for ICU activity.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 on mechanical ventilation undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly strained global healthcare, particularly in the management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This study investigated the characteristics and prognoses of these patients.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study gathered data from patients with COVID-19 across 26 medical centers. Logistic analysis was used to identify the factors associated with CRRT implementation.

RESULTS

Of the 640 patients with COVID-19 who required MV, 123 (19.2%) underwent CRRT. Compared to the non-CRRT group, the CRRT group was older and exhibited higher sequential organ failure assessment scores. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic neurological disease, and chronic kidney disease was also higher in the CRRT group. Moreover, the CRRT group had higher intensive care unit (ICU) (75.6% vs. 26.9%, p < 0.001) and in-hospital (79.7% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.001) mortality rates. CRRT implementation was identified as an independent risk factor for both ICU mortality (hazard ratio [HR]:1.833, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.342-2.505, p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (HR: 2.228, 95% CI: 1.648-3.014, p < 0.001). Refractory respiratory failure (n = 99, 19.1%) was the most common cause of death in the non-CRRT death group, and shock with multi-organ failure (n = 50, 40.7%) was the most common cause of death in the CRRT death group. Shock with multi-organ failure and cardiac death were significantly more common in the CRRT death group, compared to non-CRRT death group.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that CRRT is associated with higher ICU and in-hospital mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 who require MV. Notably, the primary cause of death in the CRRT group was shock with multi-organ failure, emphasizing the severe clinical course for these patients, while refractory respiratory failure was most common in non-CRRT patients.

COVID-19-Associated Acute Kidney Injury and Longitudinal Kidney Outcomes

Importance

COVID-19 infection is associated with a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Although rapid kidney function decline has been reported in the first few months after COVID-19-associated AKI (COVID-AKI), the longer-term association of COVID-AKI with kidney function remains unknown.

Objective

To assess long-term kidney outcomes of patients who had COVID-19-associated AKI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study conducted in a large hospital system using electronic health records data on adult hospitalized patients with AKI and COVID-19 or other illnesses. Included patients were hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-June 2022), were screened for SARS-CoV-2, had AKI, and survived to discharge, or had been hospitalized during the 5 years before the pandemic (October 2016-January 2020), had a positive influenza A or B test result, had AKI, and survived to discharge. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 2 years after hospital discharge. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to November 2023.

Exposure

COVID-19 and influenza.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was major adverse kidney events (MAKE), defined as a composite of mortality and worsened kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decline by ≥25% from discharge eGFR or kidney failure requiring dialysis). Multivariable time-to-event analyses were performed to compare MAKE between individuals with COVID-AKI and those who had AKI associated with other illnesses hospitalized during the same period. For further comparison, this outcome was assessed for a historic cohort of patients with influenza-associated AKI.

Results

The study cohort included 9624 hospitalized patients (mean [SD] age, 69.0 [15.7] years; 4955 [51.5%] females) with AKI, including 987 patients with COVID-AKI, 276 with influenza-associated AKI, and 8361 with AKI associated with other illnesses (other-AKI). Compared with the other 2 groups, patients with COVID-19-associated AKI were slightly younger in age, had a higher baseline eGFR, worse baseline comorbidity scores, higher markers of illness severity, and longer hospital stay. Compared with the other-AKI group, the COVID-AKI group had lower MAKE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59-0.75) due to lower all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24-0.39) and lower rates of worsened kidney function (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this multicenter cohort study indicate that survivors of hospitalization with COVID-AKI experience lower rates of MAKE, long-term kidney function decline, and mortality compared with patients with AKI associated with other illnesses.

Burden and risk profile of acute kidney injury in severe COVID-19 pneumonia admissions: a Finding from Jimma University medical center, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). However, data on its magnitude and risk factors among hospitalized patients in Ethiopia is limited. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of AKI and associated factors among patients admitted for severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 patients admitted to Jimma University Medical Center in Ethiopia for severe COVID-19 pneumonia from May 2020 to December 2021. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Medical records were reviewed to extract sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and comorbidity data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine factors associated with AKI. The magnitude of the association between the explanatory variables and AKI was estimated using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05.

RESULTS

The magnitude of AKI was 42% (95% CI: 35.3-48.2%) in the study area. Mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and antibiotics were required in 32.6, 3.7, and 97.7% of the patients, respectively. After adjusting for possible confounders, male sex (AOR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.3-6.5), fever (AOR 6.5, 95% CI: 2.7-15.6), hypoxemia (AOR 5.1, 95% CI: 1.4-18.9), comorbidities (AOR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.0), and severe anemia (AOR 10, 95% CI: 1.7-65.7) remained significantly associated with higher odds of AKI.

CONCLUSION

The burden of AKI among patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia is high in our setting. Male sex, abnormal vital signs, chronic conditions, and anemia can identify individuals at increased risk and require close monitoring and prevention efforts.

The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.

Mechanical ventilation as a major driver of COVID-19 hospitalization costs: a costing study in a German setting

BACKGROUND

While COVID-19 hospitalization costs are essential for policymakers to make informed health care resource decisions, little is known about these costs in western Europe. The aim of the current study is to analyze these costs for a German setting, track the development of these costs over time and analyze the daily costs.

METHODS

Administrative costing data was analyzed for 598 non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and 510 ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Frankfurt University hospital. Descriptive statistics of total per patient hospitalization costs were obtained and assessed over time. Propensity scores were estimated for length of stay (LOS) at the general ward and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, using covariate balancing propensity score for continuous treatment. Costs for each additional day in the general ward and each additional day in the ICU with and without MV were estimated by regressing the total hospitalization costs on the LOS and the presence or absence of several treatments using generalized linear models, while controlling for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and complications.

RESULTS

Median total per patient hospitalization costs were €3,010 (Q1 - Q3: €2,224-€5,273), €5,887 (Q1 - Q3: €3,054-€10,879) and €21,536 (Q1 - Q3: €7,504-€43,480), respectively, for non-ICU patients, non-MV and MV ICU patients. Total per patient hospitalization costs for non-ICU patients showed a slight increase over time, while total per patient hospitalization costs for ICU patients decreased over time. Each additional day in the general ward for non-ICU COVID-19 patients costed €463.66 (SE: 15.89). Costs for each additional day in the general ward and ICU without and with mechanical ventilation for ICU patients were estimated at €414.20 (SE: 22.17), €927.45 (SE: 45.52) and €2,224.84 (SE: 70.24).

CONCLUSIONS

This is, to our knowledge, the first study examining the costs of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Germany. Estimated costs were overall in agreement with costs found in literature for non-COVID-19 patients, except for higher estimated costs for mechanical ventilation. These estimated costs can potentially improve the precision of COVID-19 cost effectiveness studies in Germany and will thereby allow health care policymakers to provide better informed health care resource decisions in the future.

High concentrations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy

OBJECTIVES

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a highly efficacious agent against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Although dose adjustment is recommended in patients with renal impairment according to the package insert for Paxlovid (Pfizer), there is no dose recommendation for patients with severe renal impairment who require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

To characterise the features of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in critically ill Chinese patients undergoing CRRT, therapeutic drug monitoring of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay in eight patients.

RESULTS

Nirmatrelvir trough concentrations ranged from 3325.34 ng/mL to 15 625.46 ng/mL. Concentrations were up to 7-fold higher compared with patients with normal renal function and 2-fold higher compared with patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a dose reduction should be implemented in the treatment of patients with CRRT.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases.

METHODS

A total of 451 patients with biopsy-proven kidney disease and at least 12 months of follow-up subsequent to COVID-19 pandemic onset were included in the study. The primary study endpoint was a composite of a persistent decline of more than 30% in eGFR or ESRD.

RESULTS

23.1% of patients had COVID-19 during a follow-up period of 2.5 y (0.8-2.6), while 17.6% of patients reached the composite endpoint. Those with COVID-19 were more likely to reach the composite endpoint [26.7% vs. 14.8%; OR, 2.1 (95%CI, 1.23-3.58), p = 0.006). There was a significant eGFR change in the first year of follow-up between the two study groups [-2.24 (95%CI,-4.86; 0.37) vs. +2.31 (95%CI, 0.78; 3.85) ml/min, p = 0.004], with an adjusted mean difference of -4.68 ml/min (95%CI,-7.7; -1.59)(p = 0.03). The trend for worse renal outcomes remained consistent in patients with IgAN, MN and FSGS, but not in those with LN. After multivariate adjustment, the independent predictors of the composite endpoint were baseline eGFR (HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.92-0.95), COVID-19 (HR, 1.91; 1.16-3.12) and male gender (HR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.01-2.66). In multivariate linear regression analysis, COVID-19 independently determined a reduction of eGFR at 12 months by 4.62 ml/min/1.73m2 (β coefficient, -4.62; 95%CI, -7.74 to -1.5, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant impact of COVID-19 on long-term renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases, leading to a greater decline of eGFR and a worse renal survival.

Incidence, risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Tyrol, Austria: a prospective multicenter registry study

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in critically ill patients with and without COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors for, acute kidney injury and its effect on clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients in Tyrol, Austria.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective registry study included adult patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, who were treated in one of the 12 dedicated intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 2020 until May 2022.

RESULTS

In total, 1042 patients were included during the study period. The median age of the overall cohort was 66 years. Of the included patients, 267 (26%) developed acute kidney injury during their intensive care unit stay. In total, 12.3% (n = 126) required renal replacement therapy with a median duration of 9 (IQR 3-18) days. In patients with acute kidney injury the rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was significantly higher with 85% (n = 227) compared to 41% (n = 312) in the no acute kidney injury group (p < 0.001). The most important risk factors for acute kidney injury were invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 4.19, p < 0.001), vasopressor use (OR = 3.17, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.30, p < 0.001) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Hospital and intensive care unit mortality were significantly higher in patients with acute kidney injury compared to patients without acute kidney injury (Hospital mortality: 52.1% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001, ICU-mortality: 47.2% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

As in non-COVID-19 patients, acute kidney injury is clearly associated with increased mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Among known risk factors, invasive mechanical ventilation has been identified as an independent and strong predictor of acute kidney injury.

Long-term renal outcomes of patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Kidney involvement is common in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the acute phase, little is known about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the kidney.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis on long-term renal outcomes among COVID-19 patients. We carried out a systematic literature search in PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane COVID-19 study register and performed the random-effects meta-analysis of rates. The search was last updated on November 23, 2022.

RESULTS

The study included 12 moderate to high-quality cohort studies involving 6976 patients with COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury and 5223 COVID-19 patients without acute kidney injury. The summarized long-term renal non-recovery rate, dialysis-dependent rate, and complete recovery rate among patients with COVID-19-associated AKI was 22% (12-33%), 6% (2-12%), and 63% (44-81%) during a follow-up of 90-326.5 days. Heterogeneity could be explained by differences in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and proportion of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy using meta-regression; patients with more comorbidities or higher renal replacement therapy rate had higher non-recovery rates. The summarized long-term kidney function decrease rate among patients without acute kidney injury was 22% (3-51%) in 90-199 days, with heterogeneity partially explained by severity of infection.

CONCLUSION

Patients with more comorbidities tend to have a higher renal non recovery rate after COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury; for COVID-19 patients without acute kidney injury, decrease in kidney function may occur during long-term follow-up. Regular evaluation of kidney function during the post-COVID-19 follow-up among high-risk patients may be necessary.

Increased expression of SCARF genes favoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in key target organs in CKD

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially diabetic CKD, is the condition that most increases the risk of lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs) regulate coronavirus cell entry and/or replication. We hypothesized that CKD may alter the expression of SCARF genes.

Methods

A literature search identified 34 SCARF genes of which we selected 21 involved in interactions between SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 and host cells, and assessed their mRNA expression in target tissues of COVID-19 (kidneys, lungs, aorta and heart) in mice with adenine-induced CKD.

Results

Twenty genes were differentially expressed in at least one organ in mice with CKD. For 15 genes, the differential expression would be expected to favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or severity. Of these 15 genes, 13 were differentially expressed in the kidney and 8 were validated in human CKD kidney transcriptomics datasets, including those for the most common cause of CKD, diabetic nephropathy. Two genes reported to protect from SARS-CoV-2 were downregulated in at least two non-kidney target organs: Ifitm3 encoding interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) in lung and Ly6e encoding lymphocyte antigen 6 family member 6 (LY6E) in aorta.

Conclusion

CKD, including diabetic CKD, is associated with the differential expression of multiple SCARF genes in target organs of COVID-19, some of which may sensitize to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information may facilitate developing therapeutic strategies aimed at decreasing COVID-19 severity in patients with CKD.

Epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in patients with acute respiratory tract infection in Xiamen, China: A retrospective survey from 2020 to 2022

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are caused by respiratory pathogens and range from asymptomatic infections to severe respiratory diseases. These diseases can be life threatening with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Under the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little has been reported about the pathogen etiologies and epidemiology of patients suffering from ARTI of all age in Xiamen. Region-specific surveillance in individuals with ARTI of all ages was performed in Xiamen from January 2020 to October 2022. Here, we observed the epidemiological characteristics of thirteen pathogens within ARTI patients and further revealed the difference of that between upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). In total 56.36 % (2358/4184) of the ARTI patients were positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. Rhinovirus (RVs, 29.22 %), influenza A (FluA, 19.59 %), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 18.36 %), metapneumovirus (MPV, 13.91 %), and adenovirus (ADV, 10.31 %) were the five leading respiratory pathogens. Respiratory pathogens displayed age- and season-specific patterns, even between URTI and LRTI. Compared with other groups, a higher proportion of FluA (52.17 % and 68.75 %, respectively) infection was found in the adult group and the elder group, while the lower proportion of RVs (14.11 % and 11.11 %) infection was also observed in them. Although ARTI cases circulated throughout the year, RVs, FluB, and BoV peaked in autumn, and FluA circulated more in summer. Besides, the co-infectious rate was 8.7 % with the most common for RVs. Logistic regression analyses revealed the correlations between respiratory pathogens and disease types. These results are essential for replenishing epidemiological characteristics of common respiratory pathogens that caused ARTI in Xiamen during the epidemic of COVID-19, and a better understanding of it might optimize the local prevention and clinical control.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of COVID-19

Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many lives have been tragically lost to severe infections. The COVID-19 impact extends beyond the respiratory system, affecting various organs and functions. In severe cases, it can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure, often fueled by an excessive immune response known as a cytokine storm. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have considerable potential because they can mitigate inflammation, modulate immune responses, and promote tissue regeneration. Accumulating evidence underscores the efficacy and safety of MSCs in treating severe COVID-19 and ARDS. Nonetheless, critical aspects, such as optimal routes of MSC administration, appropriate dosage, treatment intervals, management of extrapulmonary complications, and potential pediatric applications, warrant further exploration. These research avenues hold promise for enriching our understanding and refining the application of MSCs in confronting the multifaceted challenges posed by COVID-19.

Long-term outcomes of COVID-19 survivors with hospital AKI: association with time to recovery from AKI

BACKGROUND

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who develop in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) have worse short-term outcomes, their long-term outcomes have not been fully characterized. We investigated 90-day and 1-year outcomes after hospital AKI grouped by time to recovery from AKI.

METHODS

This study consisted of 3296 COVID-19 patients with hospital AKI stratified by early recovery (<48 hours), delayed recovery (2-7 days) and prolonged recovery (>7-90 days). Demographics, comorbidities and laboratory values were obtained at admission and up to the 1-year follow-up. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse kidney events (MAKE), rehospitalization, recurrent AKI and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) were obtained 90-days after COVID-19 discharge.

RESULTS

The incidence of hospital AKI was 28.6%. Of the COVID-19 patients with AKI, 58.0% experienced early recovery, 14.8% delayed recovery and 27.1% prolonged recovery. Patients with a longer AKI recovery time had a higher prevalence of CKD (P < .05) and were more likely to need invasive mechanical ventilation (P < .001) and to die (P < .001). Many COVID-19 patients developed MAKE, recurrent AKI and new-onset CKD within 90 days, and these incidences were higher in the prolonged recovery group (P < .05). The incidence of MACE peaked 20-40 days postdischarge, whereas MAKE peaked 80-90 days postdischarge. Logistic regression models predicted 90-day MACE and MAKE with 82.4 ± 1.6% and 79.6 ± 2.3% accuracy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 survivors who developed hospital AKI are at high risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, especially those with longer AKI recovery times and those with a history of CKD. These patients may require long-term follow-up for cardiac and kidney complications.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although the application of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is accumulating, the feasibility and safety of this therapy remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effect of VV-ECMO in the treatment of these patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases through November 2021. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the included studies were screened, and meta-analysis was performed by R software (version 4.0.2).

RESULTS

Forty-two studies including 2037 COVID-19 patients supported with VV-ECMO due to ARDS were identified. The pooled analysis revealed that 30-, 60-, and 90-day mortality among patients were respectively 46% (95% CI 37%-57%, I2 = 66%), 46% (95% CI 30%-70%, I2 = 93%), and 49% (95% CI 43%-58%, I2 = 52%), and the pooled incidence rate of in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and renal replacement therapy were respectively 35%, 39%, 11%, 40%, 15%, 21%, and 44%.

CONCLUSION

Although COVID-19 patients may have a higher risk of bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, and acute kidney injury during ECMO therapy, the survival rate was more than half of the cases. Our data may support the application of VV-ECMO in COVID-19 patients.

Infections and Acute Kidney Injury: A Global Perspective

Globally, there are an estimated 13.3 million cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) annually. Although infections are a common cause of AKI globally, most infection-associated AKI occurs in low- and lower-middle-income countries. There are marked differences in the etiology of infection-associated AKI across age groups, populations at risk, and geographic location. This article provides a global overview of different infections that are associated commonly with AKI, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, tick-borne illnesses, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Further discussion focuses on infectious conditions associated with AKI including sepsis, diarrheal diseases and pregnancy, peripartum and neonatal AKI. This article also discusses the future of infection-associated AKI in the framework of climate change. It explores how increased investment in achieving the sustainable development goals may contribute to the International Society of Nephrology's 0 by 25 objective to curtail avoidable AKI-related fatalities by 2025.

Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in the United States

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some patients develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure requiring the combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 127 consecutive patients requiring combined ECMO and CRRT support in intensive care units at an ECMO center in Marietta, GA, United States.

RESULTS

Sixty and 67 patients with and without COVID-19, respectively, required ECMO-CRRT support. After adjusting for confounding variables, patients with COVID-19 had increased mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 5.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51-10.7; P<0.001) and 90 days (HR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.60-14.9; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, patients with COVID-19 who required ECMO-CRRT had increased mortality when compared to patients without COVID-19.

Risk factors associated with acute kidney injury in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Patients with COVID-19 have a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective cohort was established in two university hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Adults hospitalized for more than 48 h from March 6, 2020, to March 31, 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 were included. The main outcome was to determine the factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19 and the secondary outcome was estimate the incidence of AKI during the 28 days following hospital admission.

RESULTS

A total of 1584 patients were included: 60.4% were men, 738 (46.5%) developed AKI, 23.6% were classified as KDIGO 3, and 11.1% had renal replacement therapy. The risk factors for developing AKI during hospitalization were male sex (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.73-2.99), age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.03-6.42), High Blood Pressure (HBP) (OR 6.51, 95% CI 2.10-20.2), higher qSOFA score to the admission (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.14-1.71), the use of vancomycin (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05-2.37), piperacillin/tazobactam (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.2-2.31), and vasopressor support (CI 2.39, 95% CI 1.53-3.74). The gross hospital mortality for AKI was 45.5% versus 11.7% without AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort showed that male sex, age, history of HBP and CKD, presentation with elevated qSOFA, in-hospital use of nephrotoxic drugs and the requirement for vasopressor support were the main risk factors for developing AKI in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

External Validation of the Augmented Renal Clearance Predictor in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

The ARC predictor is a prediction model for augmented renal clearance (ARC) on the next intensive care unit (ICU) day that showed good performance in a general ICU setting. In this study, we performed a retrospective external validation of the ARC predictor in critically ill coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients admitted to the ICU of the University Hospitals Leuven from February 2020 to January 2021. All patient-days that had serum creatinine levels available and measured creatinine clearance on the next ICU day were enrolled. The performance of the ARC predictor was evaluated using discrimination, calibration, and decision curves. A total of 120 patients (1064 patient-days) were included, and ARC was found in 57 (47.5%) patients, corresponding to 246 (23.1%) patient-days. The ARC predictor demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (AUROC of 0.86, calibration slope of 1.18, and calibration-in-the-large of 0.14) and a wide clinical-usefulness range. At the default classification threshold of 20% in the original study, the sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 81%, respectively. The ARC predictor is able to accurately predict ARC in critically ill COVID-19 patients. These results support the potential of the ARC predictor to optimize renally cleared drug dosages in this specific ICU population. Investigation of dosing regimen improvement was not included in this study and remains a challenge for future studies.

Factors Predictive of Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients affects their health outcomes. Incidence and outcomes varied in the literature, particularly with different population and epidemiological demographics. Data remain scarce in the Southeast Asia region. We report the incidence, outcomes, pattern, types of AKI, and factors that influence AKI patient outcomes in Brunei Darussalam.

METHODS

All patients (N = 930) with COVID-19 who were admitted to the National Isolation Center (between 7th August 2021 and 30thSeptember 2021) were included in the study. The confirmation of AKI was based on the KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) criteria.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 41.9 ± 14.4 years with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) accounting for 11.7%, 29.1%, and 4.8% of comorbidities, respectively. Overall, 109 (11.7%) had AKI (KDIGO Stage 1 [67.9%], 2 [13.8%], and 3 [18.3%]), while 75.2% of the cases occurred pre-admission and 26.6% were cases of acute exacerbation of CKD. Univariate analysis identified age (odd ratio [OR] 1.06), male gender (OR 1.63), local nationality (OR 8.03), DM (OR 4.44), HT (OR 5.29), vascular disease (OR 6.08), presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 2.08), antibiotic (OR 3.70) and nephrotoxins exposures (OR 8.57) as significant variables. Multivariate analysis showed age (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.04), male gender (AOR 1.67), gastrointestinal symptoms (AOR 1.61), antibiotic (AOR 2.34), and nephrotoxins exposure (AOR 4.73) as significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that one in nine patients with COVID-19 developed AKI with almost a third having stages 2 and 3 AKI. Older age, male gender, presence of GI symptoms, and antibiotic and nephrotoxin exposures were significant predictors of AKI. Patients with these factors should be prioritized for admission and treatment. Even though manifestations are generally now less severe, findings from this study can guide the management of COVID-19 as the disease enters the endemic stage. Furthermore, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic will provide useful information and knowledge for future viral outbreaks or pandemics.

Modified Banff Criteria in Assessing SARS-CoV-2-Associated Renal Pathology: An Autopsy Study

Introduction SARS-CoV-2 is an epitheliotropic viral agent with epithelial tropism. Although the clinical significance and severity of affection is the most pronounced in the respiratory system, other organs and systems are also infected and, hence affected, such as the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. Herein, we set out to evaluate the presence and degree of morphological changes within the renal parenchyma and its relation to disease outcome. Materials and methods A retrospective non-clinical approach was utilized for the means of the study. All patients with real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction proven infection, subject to an autopsy performed in a period of two calendar years, were included in the study. Kidney tissue histopathology samples were analyzed using a modified Banff criteria system for acute onset and chronic changes. The results were compared for statistical significance with overall patient survival from symptom onset to death. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 viral presence was evaluated in renal structures by means of immunohistochemistry. Results A total of 40 patients were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry showed viral presence within a myriad of renal structured - endothelial cells, tubular cells, and podocytes. Modified Banff criteria showed significant acute changes within the parenchyma, including endotheliitis, glomerulitis, mesangial matrix expansion, tubulitis, capillaritis, arteritis, thrombosis (including thrombotic microangiopathy in four patients), and hemorrhages. Individual cases also presented with signs of rhabdomyolysis - myoglobulin casts. Signs of chronic injury were also present in most patients. However, when calculated as scores, neither acute nor chronic changes showed a correlation with time from symptom onset to death. Conclusion The results of the present study show both viral presence and a myriad of induced changes in the contents of SARS-CoV-2 infection within the renal parenchyma. The lack of correlation with the degree of changes, when compared to survival, is an encouraging fact that the changes are unlikely to play a role in direct tanatogenesis while having the potential to manifest as chronic kidney disease in the future.

Sequelae of long COVID, known and unknown: A review of updated information

Over three years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The dangerousness and impact of COVID-19 should definitely not be ignored or underestimated. Other than the symptoms of acute infection, the long-term symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, which are referred to here as "sequelae of long COVID (LC)", are also a conspicuous global public health concern. Although such sequelae were well-documented, the understanding of and insights regarding LC-related sequelae remain inadequate due to the limitations of previous studies (the follow-up, methodological flaws, heterogeneity among studies, etc.). Notably, robust evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment of certain LC sequelae remain insufficient and has been a stumbling block to better management of these patients. This awkward situation motivated us to conduct this review. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the updated information, particularly focusing on clinical issues. We attempt to provide the latest information regarding LC-related sequelae by systematically reviewing the involvement of main organ systems. We also propose paths for future exploration based on available knowledge and the authors' clinical experience. We believe that these take-home messages will be helpful to gain insights into LC and ultimately benefit clinical practice in treating LC-related sequelae.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Symptoms and Disorders with Long (Chronic) COVID Infection

Long COVID is a novel syndrome characterizing new or persistent symptoms weeks after COVID-19 infection and involving multiple organ systems. This review summarizes the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary sequelae of long COVID syndrome. It describes potential biomolecular mechanisms, prevalence, preventative measures, potential therapies, and health care and economic impact of long COVID syndrome, particularly of its gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary manifestations.

Long-term interplay between COVID-19 and chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on the long-term kidney function of survivors. The clinical relevance is not clear.

METHODS

This review summarises the currently published data.

RESULTS

There is a bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease and COVID-19 disease. Chronic kidney diseases due to primary kidney disease or chronic conditions affecting kidneys increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, the risks for progression and critical COVID-19 disease (with acute or acute-on-chronic kidney damage), and death. Patients who have survived COVID-19 face an increased risk of worse kidney outcomes in the post-acute phase of the disease. Of clinical significance, COVID-19 may predispose surviving patients to chronic kidney disease, independently of clinically apparent acute kidney injury (AKI). The increased risk of post-acute renal dysfunction of COVID-19 patients can be graded according to the severity of the acute infection (non-hospitalised, hospitalised or ICU patients). The burden of chronic kidney disease developing after COVID-19 is currently unknown.

CONCLUSION

Post-acute COVID-19 care should include close attention to kidney function. Future prospective large-scale studies are needed with long and complete follow-up periods, assessing kidney function using novel markers of kidney function/damage, urinalysis and biopsy studies.

Outcomes, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Costs of Overall, Community-Acquired, and Hospital-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Patients

Background: In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with higher mortality, but data are lacking on healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs related to AKI, community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI), and hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI). Objectives: To quantify the burden of AKI, CA-AKI, and HA-AKI among inpatients with COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included inpatients with COVID-19 discharged from US hospitals in the Premier PINC AI™ Healthcare Database April 1-October 31, 2020, categorized as AKI, CA-AKI, HA-AKI, or no AKI by ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. Outcomes were assessed during index (initial) hospitalization and 30 days postdischarge. Results: Among 208 583 COVID-19 inpatients, 30%, 25%, and 5% had AKI, CA-AKI, and HA-AKI, of whom 10%, 7%, and 23% received dialysis, respectively. Excess mortality, HRU, and costs were greater for HA-AKI than CA-AKI. In adjusted models, for patients with AKI vs no AKI and HA-AKI vs CA-AKI, odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) were 3.70 (3.61-3.79) and 4.11 (3.92-4.31) for intensive care unit use and 3.52 (3.41-3.63) and 2.64 (2.52-2.78) for in-hospital mortality; mean length of stay (LOS) differences and LOS ratios (95% CI) were 1.8 days and 1.24 (1.23-1.25) and 5.1 days and 1.57 (1.54-1.59); and mean cost differences and cost ratios were $7163 and 1.35 (1.34-1.36) and $19 127 and 1.78 (1.75-1.81) (all P < .001). During the 30 days postdischarge, readmission LOS was ≥6% longer for AKI vs no AKI and HA-AKI vs CA-AKI; outpatient costs were ≥41% higher for HA-AKI vs CA-AKI or no AKI. Only 30-day new dialysis (among patients without index hospitalization dialysis) had similar odds for HA-AKI vs CA-AKI (2.37-2.8 times higher for AKI, HA-AKI, or CA-AKI vs no AKI). Discussion: Among inpatients with COVID-19, HA-AKI had higher excess mortality, HRU, and costs than CA-AKI. Other studies suggest that interventions to prevent HA-AKI could decrease excess morbidity, HRU, and costs among inpatients with COVID-19. Conclusions: In adjusted models among COVID-19 inpatients, AKI, especially HA-AKI, was associated with significantly higher mortality, HRU, and costs during index admission, and higher dialysis and longer readmission LOS during the 30 days postdischarge. These findings support implementation of interventions to prevent HA-AKI in COVID-19 patients.

The pattern of cytokines expression and dynamic changes of renal function at 6 months in patients with Omicron COVID-19

To analyze the dynamic changes of renal function longitudinally and investigate the cytokine profiles at 6 months in patients with Omicron COVID-19. Forty-seven patients with a proven diagnosis of Omicron COVID-19 from January to February 2022 attended a 6-month follow-up after discharge at Tianjin First Central Hospital. The demographic parameters, clinical features, and laboratory indexes were collected during hospitalization and 6 months after discharge. The serum cytokine levels at 6 months were also assessed. Patients were grouped according to with or without kidney involvement at admission. The levels of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were all normal both in the hospital and at follow-up. Whereas, compared with renal function in the hospital, serum creatinine levels at 6 months increased remarkably; meanwhile, eGFR decreased significantly in all patients. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly decreased and TGF-β remarkably increased in the kidney involvement group. The serum levels of IL-2 and IL-5 were positively correlated with age; contrarily, TGF-β showed a negative correlation with aging. The younger was an independent risk factor of the higher TGF-β levels. Omicron patients showed a decline in renal function at follow-up, reflecting the trend of CKD. Serum cytokine profiles were characterized with the majority of cytokines decreased and TGF-β increased in the kidney involvement group; the latter may be used as a sign of CKD. The tendency of CKD is one of the manifestations of long COVID and deserves attention.

Small vessel disease: Connections between the kidney and the heart

Small vessel disease is characterized by global dysfunction of the microvascular system leading to reduced perfusion of various organ systems. The kidney is significantly vulnerable for microvascular dysfunction given its intricate capillary network and extensive endocrine influence. Studies have demonstrated a relationship between impaired renal function and small vessel disease in other organ systems, particularly the heart. Here we discuss the relationship between the kidney and the heart in the setting of microvascular dysfunction and identify areas of future study to better understand this relationship and potentially identify novel therapeutic strategies.

Epidemiology and outcomes of early-onset AKI in COVID-19-related ARDS in comparison with non-COVID-19-related ARDS: insights from two prospective global cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe complication of both COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and non-COVID-19-related ARDS. The COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium (CCCC) has generated a global data set on the demographics, management and outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients. The LUNG-SAFE study was an international prospective cohort study of patients with severe respiratory failure, including ARDS, which pre-dated the pandemic.

METHODS

The incidence, demographic profile, management and outcomes of early AKI in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for COVID-19-related ARDS were described and compared with AKI in a non-COVID-19-related ARDS cohort.

RESULTS

Of 18,964 patients in the CCCC data set, 1699 patients with COVID-19-related ARDS required invasive ventilation and had relevant outcome data. Of these, 110 (6.5%) had stage 1, 94 (5.5%) had stage 2, 151 (8.9%) had stage 3 AKI, while 1214 (79.1%) had no AKI within 48 h of initiating invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients developing AKI were older and more likely to have hypertension or chronic cardiac disease. There were geo-economic differences in the incidence of AKI, with lower incidence of stage 3 AKI in European high-income countries and a higher incidence in patients from middle-income countries. Both 28-day and 90-day mortality risk was increased for patients with stage 2 (HR 2.00, p < 0.001) and stage 3 AKI (HR 1.95, p < 0.001). Compared to non-COVID-19 ARDS, the incidence of shock was reduced with lower cardiovascular SOFA score across all patient groups, while hospital mortality was worse in all groups [no AKI (30 vs 50%), Stage 1 (38 vs 58%), Stage 2 (56 vs 74%), and Stage 3 (52 vs 72%), p < 0.001]. The time profile of onset of AKI also differed, with 56% of all AKI occurring in the first 48 h in patients with COVID-19 ARDS compared to 89% in the non-COVID-19 ARDS population.

CONCLUSION

AKI is a common and serious complication of COVID-19, with a high mortality rate, which differs by geo-economic location. Important differences exist in the profile of AKI in COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 ARDS in terms of their haemodynamic profile, time of onset and clinical outcomes.

Acute Kidney Injury Among Admitted COVID-19 Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Although diffuse alveolar damage and respiratory failure are the most common symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019, other organ involvement, such as the kidney, has been reported. The incidence of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients has been reported to vary greatly. In this study, we look at the magnitude and risk factors for acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia, a developing country.

Methods

A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted among admitted COVID-19 patients at Eka Kotebe general hospital and Saint Peter COVID-19 treatment center by reviewing data from September 2020 to September 2021. A random sampling technique with proportional size allocation was used to select a total sample of 402 patients (225 from Eka Kotebe and 177 from St. Peter). Secondary data was collected from patient medical records using a standard, pre-tested data collection checklist using the Kobo toolbox, which was then exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. The association between dependent and independent variables was analyzed using binary logistic regression. A statistical significance test was declared at a p value of <=0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 402 patient charts were reviewed, and the proportion of patients with acute kidney injury was found to be 18.9%. After adjusting for potential confounders, age<=35 years (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07-0.72), female gender (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28-0.94), and isolation type ICU (AOR = 5.11, 95% CI = 1.44-18.06) were significantly associated with acute kidney injury.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury is a common complication in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of acute kidney injury in this study was 18.9%. Age, gender, and type of isolation were the factors that had a significant association with acute kidney injury. Clinicians and other concerned parties should provide more care to ICU patients and COVID-19 patients who are older.

COVID-19-associated AKI

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While it is now widely established acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and important complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disease, there is marked variability in its reported incidence and outcomes. This narrative review provides a mid-2022 summary of the latest epidemiological evidence on AKI in COVID-19.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large observational studies and meta-analyses report an AKI incidence of 28-34% in all inpatients and 46-77% in intensive care unit (ICU). The incidence of more severe AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) in ICU appears to have declined over time, in data from England and Wales RRT use declined from 26% at the start of the pandemic to 14% in 2022. The majority of survivors apparently recover their kidney function by hospital discharge; however, these individuals appear to remain at increased risk of future AKI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and chronic kidney disease. Importantly even in the absence of overt AKI a significant proportion of survivors of COVID-19 hospitalisation had reduced eGFR on follow-up.

SUMMARY

This review summarises the epidemiology, risk factors, outcomes and treatment of COVID-19-associated AKI across the global pandemic. In particular the long-term impact of COVID-19 disease on kidney health is uncertain and requires further characterisation.

Biochemical Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

It is estimated that 50% of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have varying degrees of renal involvement. In this clinical biomarker development research, we examined in a retrospective study design the temporal changes in biochemical laboratory parameters in relation to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). In a sample of 399 patients admitted from May 2020 to May 2021 to a tertiary health care intensive care unit (ICU), the incidence of AKI was 27.3%, and the median time to AKI was on 7th day of ICU admission. Most common etiology of AKI was kidney hypoperfusion. Within 72 h of developmental of low blood pressure, 63.76% developed AKI. The likelihood of AKI was higher in those with elevated serum ferritin, aspartate transaminase, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). A cutoff value of 750.3 ng/mL [area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.777] for serum ferritin, and 40.05 U/L for alanine aminotransferase (AUC = 0.677) 1 day before development of AKI displayed, respectively, a sensitivity of 76.2% and 64.3%, whereas the specificity was 69.5% and 64.1%, respectively, for these two biochemical predictors. A cutoff value of platelets (152.50 × 10⁹/L [AUC = 0.75]) measured 4 days before development of AKI, displayed 83.3% sensitivity and 16.4% specificity. Taken together, our study thoroughly examined the temporal association of various clinical and laboratory parameters with AKI and prediction models were developed as per results of the time series data. These observations in a tertiary health care setting contribute to ongoing efforts for biomarker discovery and development using routine biochemical tests so as to forecast AKI in patients with COVID-19.

The role of kidney injury biomarkers in COVID-19

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a global pandemic. COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury (COVID-19 AKI) is related to a high mortality rate and serves as an independent risk factor for hospital death in patients with COVID-19. Early diagnosis would allow for earlier intervention and potentially improve patient outcomes. The goal of early identification of AKI has been the primary impetus for AKI biomarker research, and several kidney injury biomarkers have been demonstrated to be beneficial in predicting COVID-19 AKI as well as disease progression in COVID-19. Furthermore, such data provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex and unique disease and serve as a molecular phenotyping tool that could be utilized to direct clinical intervention. This review focuses on a number of kidney injury biomarkers, such as CysC, NAGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, IL-18, suPAR, and [TIMP-2] • [IGFBP7], which have been widely studied in common clinical settings, such as sepsis, cardiac surgery, and contrast-induced AKI. We explore the role of kidney injury biomarkers in COVID-19 and discuss what remains to be learned.

Subclinical Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19: Possible Mechanisms and Future Perspectives

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, a bidirectional interaction between kidney disease and the progression of COVID-19 has been demonstrated. Kidney disease is an independent risk factor for mortality of patients with COVID-19 as well as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with COVID-19. However, the detection of kidney damage in patients with COVID-19 may not occur until an advanced stage based on the current clinical blood and urinary examinations. Some studies have pointed out the development of subclinical acute kidney injury (subAKI) syndrome with COVID-19. This syndrome is characterized by significant tubule interstitial injury without changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Despite the complexity of the mechanism(s) underlying the development of subAKI, the involvement of changes in the protein endocytosis machinery in proximal tubule (PT) epithelial cells (PTECs) has been proposed. This paper focuses on the data relating to subAKI and COVID-19 and the role of PTECs and their protein endocytosis machinery in its pathogenesis.

Role of SARS-CoV-2-induced Cytokine Storm in Multi-Organ Failure: Molecular Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Options

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global public health emergency and has led to devastating results. Mounting evidence proposes that the disease causes severe pulmonary involvement and influences different organs, leading to a critical situation named multi-organ failure. It is yet to be fully clarified how the disease becomes so deadly in some patients. However, it is proven that a condition called “cytokine storm” is involved in the deterioration of COVID-19. Although beneficial, sustained production of cytokines and overabundance of inflammatory mediators causing cytokine storm can lead to collateral vital organ damages. Furthermore, cytokine storm can cause post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), an important cause of morbidity after the acute phase of COVID-19. Herein, we aim to explain the possible pathophysiology mechanisms involved in COVID-19-related cytokine storm and its association with multi-organ failure and PCS. We also discuss the latest advances in finding the potential therapeutic targets to control cytokine storm wishing to answer unmet clinical demands for treatment of COVID-19.

Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury among COVID-19 patients: A systematic review of systematic reviews

The COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury (CAKI) has emerged as a potential intricacy during the management of patients. Navigating the rapidly growing body of scientific literature on CAKI is challenging, and ongoing critical appraisal of this complication is essential. This study aimed to summarize and critically appraise the systematic reviews (SRs) on CAKI to inform the healthcare providers about its prevalence, risk factors and outcomes. All the SRs were searched in major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science) from inception date to December 2021. This study followed SR of SRs methodology, all the records were screened, extracted and subjected to quality assessment by assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews (AMSTAR-2). The extracted data were qualitatively synthesized and tabulated. This review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022299444). Of 3,833 records identified; 42 SRs were included in this overview. The quality appraisal of the studies showed that 17 SRs were of low quality, while 8 moderate and 17 were of high-quality SRs. The incidence of CAKI ranged from 4.3% to 36.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, 36%-50% in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), and up to 53% in severe or critical illness. Old age, male gender, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were frequently reported risk factors of CAKI. The need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) was up to 26.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, and 39% among those having CAKI. The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was found independent predictor of death, where mortality rate among CAKI patients ranged from 50% to 93%. This overview of SRs underscores that CAKI occurs frequently among COVID-19 patients and associated with high mortality, need of RRT and adverse outcomes. However, the confidence of these results is moderate to low which warrants the need of more SRs having established methodological standards.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=299444], identifier [CRD42022299444].

Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review and External Validation of Clinical Prediction Rules

Multiple prediction models for risk of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 have been developed, but not applied, to patient cohorts different to those from which they were derived. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed with PROBAST. Nomograms, whose variables were available in a well-defined cohort of 444 patients from our site, were externally validated. Overall, 71 studies, which derived a clinical prediction rule for mortality outcome from COVID-19, were identified. Predictive variables consisted of combinations of patients′ age, chronic conditions, dyspnea/taquipnea, radiographic chest alteration, and analytical values (LDH, CRP, lymphocytes, D-dimer); and markers of respiratory, renal, liver, and myocardial damage, which were mayor predictors in several nomograms. Twenty-five models could be externally validated. Areas under receiver operator curve (AUROC) in predicting mortality ranged from 0.71 to 1 in derivation cohorts; C-index values ranged from 0.823 to 0.970. Overall, 37/71 models provided very-good-to-outstanding test performance. Externally validated nomograms provided lower predictive performances for mortality in their respective derivation cohorts, with the AUROC being 0.654 to 0.806 (poor to acceptable performance). We can conclude that available nomograms were limited in predicting mortality when applied to different populations from which they were derived.

Edema formation in congestive heart failure and the underlying mechanisms

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a complex disease state characterized by impaired ventricular function and insufficient peripheral blood supply. The resultant reduced blood flow characterizing HF promotes activation of neurohormonal systems which leads to fluid retention, often exhibited as pulmonary congestion, peripheral edema, dyspnea, and fatigue. Despite intensive research, the exact mechanisms underlying edema formation in HF are poorly characterized. However, the unique relationship between the heart and the kidneys plays a central role in this phenomenon. Specifically, the interplay between the heart and the kidneys in HF involves multiple interdependent mechanisms, including hemodynamic alterations resulting in insufficient peripheral and renal perfusion which can lead to renal tubule hypoxia. Furthermore, HF is characterized by activation of neurohormonal factors including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system (SNS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) due to reduced cardiac output (CO) and renal perfusion. Persistent activation of these systems results in deleterious effects on both the kidneys and the heart, including sodium and water retention, vasoconstriction, increased central venous pressure (CVP), which is associated with renal venous hypertension/congestion along with increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). The latter was shown to reduce renal blood flow (RBF), leading to a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Besides the activation of the above-mentioned vasoconstrictor/anti-natriuretic neurohormonal systems, HF is associated with exceptionally elevated levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). However, the supremacy of the deleterious neurohormonal systems over the beneficial natriuretic peptides (NP) in HF is evident by persistent sodium and water retention and cardiac remodeling. Many mechanisms have been suggested to explain this phenomenon which seems to be multifactorial and play a major role in the development of renal hyporesponsiveness to NPs and cardiac remodeling. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development of edema in HF with reduced ejection fraction and refers to the therapeutic maneuvers applied today to overcome abnormal salt/water balance characterizing HF.

Acute kidney injury in critically ill COVID-19 infected patients requiring dialysis: experience from India and Pakistan

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) was common in the first two waves of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in critically ill patients. A high percentage of these patients required renal replacement therapy and died in the hospital.

Methods

The present study examines the clinical presentation, laboratory parameters and therapeutic interventions in critically ill patients with AKI admitted to the ICU in two centres, one each in India and Pakistan. Patient and outcome details of all critically ill COVID 19 patients admitted to the ICU requiring renal replacement therapy were collected. Data was analysed to detect patient variables associated with mortality.

Results

A total of 1,714 critically ill patients were admitted to the ICUs of the two centres. Of these 393 (22.9%) had severe acute kidney injury (AKIN stage 3) requiring dialysis. Of them, 60.5% were men and the mean (± SD) age was 58.78 (± 14.4) years. At the time of initiation of dialysis, 346 patients (88%) were oligo-anuric. The most frequent dialysis modality in these patients was intermittent hemodialysis (48.1%) followed by slow low efficiency dialysis (44.5%). Two hundred and six (52.4%) patients died. The mortality was higher among the Indian cohort (68.1%) than the Pakistani cohort (43.4%). Older age (age > 50 years), low serum albumin altered sensorium, need for slower forms of renal replacement therapy and ventilatory support were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

There was a very high mortality in patients with COVID-19 associated AKI undergoing RRT in the ICUs in this cohort from the Indian sub-continent.

Prevalence of acute kidney injury amongst Covid-19 admitted patients in Ribat Teaching Hospital isolation centre: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

Covid-19 sequeale have been a cause of serious health concerns since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Studies regarding this are still lacking especially in relation to the prevalence of Covid-19 induced AKI. Therefore, we have aimed to determine the prevalence of AKI amongst Covid-19 hospitalised patients in Ribat isolation centre.

Methodology

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in the period from March 2020 to July 2021 in Ribat teaching hospital primary isolation centre which includes admitted Covid-19 induced AKI patients. A total of 333 confirmed Covid-19 patients were tested out of which we analyzed 183 files that fit the criteria of our research. The data was collected from the patients' record files using a checklist.

Results

A total of 77 out of 183 patients (42%) of admitted patients were diagnosed with AKI, out of which 35 patients had stage 3 AKI (46%), followed by 28 (36%) and 14 (18%) regarding stage 1 and stage 2 respectively. Furthermore, 57 out of the total 77 (74%) aged 60 years and above.

Conclusion

This study substantiates the theory that Covid-19 induces AKI regardless of its severity and the presence of co-morbidities. Additionally, older age (60 years and above) was the most important risk factor associated with it. Furthermore, most cases of Covid-19 induced AKI were stage 3.

Decreased renal perfusion during acute kidney injury in critical COVID-19 assessed by magnetic resonance imaging: a prospective case control study

BACKGROUND

Renal hypoperfusion has been suggested to contribute to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical COVID-19. However, limited data exist to support this. We aim to investigate the differences in renal perfusion, oxygenation and water diffusion using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in critically ill COVID-19 patients with and without AKI.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study where patients without prior kidney disease treated in intensive care for respiratory failure due to COVID-19 were examined. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Creatinine criteria were used for group allocation. Main comparisons were tested using Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were examined, ten with AKI and nine without AKI. Patients with AKI were examined in median 1 [0-2] day after criteria fulfillment. Age and baseline Plasma-Creatinine were similar in both groups. Total renal blood flow was lower in patients with AKI compared with patients without (median 645 quartile range [423-753] vs. 859 [746-920] ml/min, p = 0.037). Regional perfusion was reduced in both cortex (76 [51-112] vs. 146 [123-169] ml/100 g/min, p = 0.015) and medulla (28 [18-47] vs. 47 [38-73] ml/100 g/min, p = 0.03). Renal venous saturation was similar in both groups (72% [64-75] vs. 72% [63-84], ns.), as was regional oxygenation (R₂*) in cortex (17 [16-19] vs. 17 [16-18] 1/s, ns.) and medulla (29 [24-39] vs. 27 [23-29] 1/s, ns.).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill COVID-19 patients with AKI, the total, cortical and medullary renal blood flows were reduced compared with similar patients without AKI, whereas no differences in renal oxygenation were demonstrable in this setting. Trial registration ClinicalTrials ID: NCT02765191 , registered May 6 2014 and updated May 7 2020.

Prehospital Use of Whole Blood for Ill and Injured Patients During Critical Care Transport

OBJECTIVE

Hemodynamic instability and hemorrhagic shock are frequently encountered by emergency medical services providers managing ill and injured patients during critical care transport. Although many critical care transport services commonly transfuse crystalloids and/or packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the administration of whole blood (WB) in prehospital care is currently limited. WB contains PRBCs, plasma, and platelets in a physiologic ratio to aid in oxygen delivery to tissue as well as hemostasis. This study describes a single critical care transport program's experience using WB for critically ill and injured patients and reports important clinical and safety outcomes.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of patients who were transported by a single rotor wing-based critical care transport service to 1 of 2 tertiary care receiving hospitals within a single health system. Patients who were transported between November 1, 2018, and November 30, 2019, and who received at least 1 unit of low-titer group O WB during critical care transport were included. The primary outcomes of interest included 24-hour mortality and the total 24-hour transfusion requirement. The safety outcomes included transfusion reactions, acute lung injury, acute kidney injury, and the incidence of venous thromboembolism.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 3,084 total patients transported by our critical care transport service. There were 71 patients who received prehospital WB, 64 of whom met the inclusion criteria. The top 3 indications for WB administration included blunt trauma (n = 27, 42.2%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n = 15, 23.4%), and penetrating trauma (n = 11, 17.2%). The median total number of blood components transfused within 24 hours was 4.0 (interquartile range, 2.0-9.5), and the overall 24-hour mortality rate was 21.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of WB by emergency medical services providers to critically ill and injured patients in the prehospital setting is feasible and is associated with low incidences of adverse events and transfusion reactions. Further research is needed to elucidate the benefits of WB relative to current prehospital standards of care.

RAGE pathway activation and function in chronic kidney disease and COVID-19

The multi-ligand receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and its ligands are contributing factors in autoimmunity, cancers, and infectious disease. RAGE activation is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CKD may increase the risk of COVID-19 severity and may also develop in the form of long COVID. RAGE is expressed in essentially all kidney cell types. Increased production of RAGE isoforms and RAGE ligands during CKD and COVID-19 promotes RAGE activity. The downstream effects include cellular dysfunction, tissue injury, fibrosis, and inflammation, which in turn contribute to a decline in kidney function, hypertension, thrombotic disorders, and cognitive impairment. In this review, we discuss the forms and mechanisms of RAGE and RAGE ligands in the kidney and COVID-19. Because various small molecules antagonize RAGE activity in animal models, targeting RAGE, its co-receptors, or its ligands may offer novel therapeutic approaches to slowing or halting progressive kidney disease, for which current therapies are often inadequate.

Glomerular Endotheliosis in COVID-19-Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been seen in patients hospitalized with a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection,but the pathophysiology of glomerular injury is not yet fully understood. We present a case of COVID-19-related “glomerular endotheliosis” in which a 51-year-old female with a 13-year history of class IV lupus nephritis was admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia. Her lupus nephritis had been in complete renal remission for the past 10 years with a baseline serum creatinine level of 1.3 mg/dL and no proteinuria. Her serological workup, including complement levels, was unremarkable. Due to the worsening renal function and persistent proteinuria, she underwent a kidney biopsy that revealed diffuse glomerular endothelial cell swelling, also known as glomerular endotheliosis. Her clinical course unfortunately deteriorated and she succumbed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. As circulating anti-angiogenic factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction leading to glomerular endotheliosis, we propose that a similar circulating antiangiogenic factor may have been triggered by COVID-19 and played a role in our patient’s progressive renal failure.

Incidence of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Renal-Competent COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Computed Chest Angiography

PURPOSE

COVID-19 infection poses a significant risk of both renal injury and pulmonary embolism, producing a clinical challenge, as the criterion standard examination for pulmonary embolism, computed tomography angiography (CTA), requires the use of nephrotoxic iodinated contrast agents.Our investigation evaluated whether symptomatic COVID-19-positive patients without laboratory evidence of renal impairment are at increased risk for developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI).

METHOD

All COVID-19-positive patients undergoing noncontrast chest computed tomography and CTA at an apex tertiary medical center between March 1 and December 10, 2020, were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 258 renal-competent (estimated glomerular filtration rate >30) patients with baseline and 48- to 72-hour postexamination creatinine measurements were identified and analyzed for incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) meeting the criteria for CA-AKI.

RESULTS

Twenty-five of 191 patients undergoing CTA (13.1%) and 9 of the 67 undergoing noncontrast computed tomography (13.4%) experienced creatinine increases meeting the criteria for CA-AKI. Univariate and multivariate analyses accounting for known AKI risk factors revealed no correlation between iodinated contrast administration and the incidence AKI meeting the criteria for CA-AKI (univariable odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.43-2.20]; multivariable odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.40-2.36]).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal-competent COVID-19 patients undergoing chest CTA may not have an increased risk of AKI. Additional studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.