COVID-19 AND KIDNEY DISEASE

 

As we all are surrounded by a threat of this rapidly growing COVID-19 pandemic globally and in our country, we have realized that coronavirus directly affects the lungs. It is leading to devastating complications causing eventual respiratory failure and the requirement of ventilatory support. Acute kidney injury or renal failure is now emerging as the next bothersome healthcare matter in COVID cases.

There is an increasing number of reports of kidney failure from many centers due to COVID infected patients. The data from China and other countries with a significant burden of COVID infected patients have reported that the incidence of kidney failure is around 5%. Of these, 10 to 12% of patients required renal replacement therapy in the form of hemodialysis.

Researchers say that the data regarding kidney failure is still immature, and we would need more time to study the actual effects of COVID infection on kidney function. While we wait for more scientific information on this matter, it is essential to highlight some measures to safeguard against the worsening of kidney function.

The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India varies according to the region and is reported to range from 1 to 13%. Recently, statistics from the International Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Disease Data Centre study reported a prevalence rate of 17%. It is estimated that by the year 2030, India will have the most number of diabetics in the world. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of kidney failure in India. This means we already have a large population affected by diabetes and other comorbid illnesses like hypertension, which are risk factors for kidney diseases.

kidney

The general population is mostly unaware of the critical function of the kidney in the body. It is essential for the filtering of waste products from the blood, which is excreted as urine. The organ produces hormones and helps in the regulation of blood pressure and keeps bones healthy.

There are various measures to slow the progress of kidney disease like regular exercise, adequate fluid intake, along with limiting salt intake. It is imperative to avoid over the counter medications without a doctors’ prescription. Commonly available pain-killer or analgesic medications (ibuprofen, diclofenac) are notorious for causing acute kidney failure. A wrong step at this crucial time of the COVID pandemic can significantly worsen the health of the kidney.

About the Auhors:
Dr. Manas Sharma, Dr. R. B. Nerli, Dr. Shridhar C. Ghagane

Department of Urology, KLES Kidney Foundation, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi.

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