On World Kidney Day, Sermo doctors discuss the disease-centric approach of managing kidney disease, which often leaves the patients feeling discontented and not in control of their treatment. In addition, doctors agree that this year, awareness of kidney health is more important than ever.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, “A new comprehensive report shows that people hospitalized with COVID-19 are at significant risk of AKI, which can lead to serious illness, dialysis, and even death…The study found patients with COVID-19, who were hospitalized between March 11 and April 26 (2020), were twice as likely to develop AKI as compared to non-COVID patients…AKI appears to be a marker of COVID-19 infection severity and the mortality rate is higher for these patients.
Various COVID-19-related effects that are thought to contribute to AKI include kidney tubular injury (acute tubular necrosis) with septic shock, microinflammation, increased blood clotting, and probable direct infection of the kidney. Most patients with COVID-19-related AKI who recover continue to have low kidney function after discharge from the hospital.
People with kidney disease and other severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for more severe illness.
People on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. However, it is important to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments and to take necessary precautions as recommended by their healthcare team.
People with a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection medicines (also known as immunosuppressive medicines). These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active, which can make it harder to fight infections. It is important to keep taking these medicines. It is also important to wash hands, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from their healthcare team…
It’s recommended that recovered COVID-19 patients who had an AKI or ARF should be seen regularly by a kidney doctor, because their risk of developing chronic kidney disease is higher than others. COVID-19 patients who did not develop an AKI, but who had blood and/or protein in their urine, should be monitored since they are at increased risk of developing chronic- and end-stage-kidney disease…
here have been recent reports of nonelderly adults infected with COVID-19 who have developed an acute kidney injury (AKI) — sudden loss of kidney function. These adults did not have underlying medical conditions. With proper treatment, including dialysis in severe cases, AKI can be reversible…
It’s common for people who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis, and those who have received kidney transplants to feel sad and depressed. In fact, studies show that 20% to 40% of people with kidney failure may also have depression. While the risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 remains low in the general population, people who have a chronic illness or who are taking immunosuppressant drugs are at an increased risk of becoming very ill. These fears are real – and the worry and stress can lead to an even greater bout of depression…”
In a poll of 280+ Sermo physicians from around the world, 98% said it is essential that patients suffering from kidney disease become active participants in their treatment in order to achieve the greatest possible outcome. This would improve the patient experience, helping them feel more in control of their health. During the pandemic, 84% of physicians said their patients have maintained essential treatments and medications for managing kidney disease or other severe chronic medical conditions.
According to their observations, 73% of physicians said patients who have kidney disease suffer from more severe Covid-19 illness. While only 45% have witnessed a rise in acute kidney injury due to Covid-19, 93% believe there needs to be more awareness around the fact that patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized were twice as likely to develop AKI as non-COVID patients.
Below, Sermo physicians from around the world share their professional insights, perspectives, and opinions on this important topic—in their own words:
Every patient with a previous kidney injury has a greater predisposition to have serious complications from Covid 19
Pediatrics (excluding surgery) – Hematology Oncology
In general, chronic kidney disease patients get delayed in their treatment due to shortage of nephrologists.
Endocrinology
Special attention should be paid to renal syndromes in COVID disease 19
Pediatrics (excluding surgery)
Yes. Patient participation is always essential for their treatment and recovery.
General Practice (GP)
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