Patients on Hemodialysis before Covid 19 pandemic: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
MydahSajid (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==Overview== The Covid-19 infection has high mortality among dialysis patients as compared to normal individuals. One of the factors for increased mortality for dialysis patie...") |
MydahSajid (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| (8 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The Covid-19 infection has high mortality among dialysis patients as compared to normal individuals. One of the factors for increased mortality for dialysis patients as compared to the general population due to COVID-19 infection is the increased age of the patients. Adequate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID 19 infection in dialysis patients. | The [[COVID-19|Covid-19]] infection has high mortality among dialysis [[patients]] as compared to normal individuals. One of the factors for increased mortality for [[dialysis]] patients as compared to the general population due to [[COVID-19|COVID-19 infection]] is the increased age of the [[Patient|patients]]. Adequate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of [[COVID-19|COVID-19 infection]] in [[dialysis]] patients. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Patients on hemodialysis have a mild clinical course of COVID 19 infection. It could be due to multiple reasons. | Patients on hemodialysis have a mild clinical course of COVID 19 infection. It could be due to multiple reasons. | ||
*Patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease have low immunity. The low immunity results in low-intensity cytokine storm in response to viral antigens. The patients on maintenance hemodialysis rarely present with a full-blown clinical picture of pneumonia.<ref name="pmid32434211">{{cite journal| author=Zhang X, Tan Y, Ling Y, Lu G, Liu F, Yi Z | display-authors=etal| title=Viral and host factors related to the clinical outcome of COVID-19. | journal=Nature | year= 2020 | volume= | issue= | pages= | pmid=32434211 | doi=10.1038/s41586-020-2355-0 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32434211 }} </ref> | *[[Patient|Patients]] with [[chronic kidney disease]] or [[Chronic renal failure|end-stage renal disease]] have low [[Immunity (medical)|immunity]]. The low [[Immunity (medical)|immunity]] results in low-intensity [[cytokine storm]] in response to viral antigens. The [[Patient|patients]] on maintenance hemodialysis rarely present with a full-blown clinical picture of pneumonia.<ref name="pmid32434211">{{cite journal| author=Zhang X, Tan Y, Ling Y, Lu G, Liu F, Yi Z | display-authors=etal| title=Viral and host factors related to the clinical outcome of COVID-19. | journal=Nature | year= 2020 | volume= | issue= | pages= | pmid=32434211 | doi=10.1038/s41586-020-2355-0 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32434211 }} </ref> | ||
*Hypercoagulation plays an important role in aggravating the disease. Hypercoagulation initiates the coagulation cascade resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC results in organ dysfunction and high mortality in COVID 19 infection. Anticoagulants administered during hemodialysis inhibit coagulation cascade preventing hypercoagulation and DIC.<ref name="pmid32073213">{{cite journal| author=Tang N, Li D, Wang X, Sun Z| title=Abnormal coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia. | journal=J Thromb Haemost | year= 2020 | volume= 18 | issue= 4 | pages= 844-847 | pmid=32073213 | doi=10.1111/jth.14768 | pmc=7166509 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32073213 }} </ref> | *Hypercoagulation plays an important role in aggravating the disease. Hypercoagulation initiates the coagulation cascade resulting in [[disseminated intravascular coagulation]] (DIC). DIC results in organ dysfunction and high mortality in [[COVID-19|COVID 19 infection]]. [[Anticoagulant|Anticoagulants]] administered during hemodialysis inhibit coagulation cascade preventing hypercoagulation and [[Disseminated intravascular coagulation|DIC]].<ref name="pmid32073213">{{cite journal| author=Tang N, Li D, Wang X, Sun Z| title=Abnormal coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia. | journal=J Thromb Haemost | year= 2020 | volume= 18 | issue= 4 | pages= 844-847 | pmid=32073213 | doi=10.1111/jth.14768 | pmc=7166509 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32073213 }} </ref> | ||
*In a study done at a hemodialysis center at Renmin Hospital in Wuhan, 37 out of a total of 230 | *In a study done at a hemodialysis center at Renmin Hospital in Wuhan, 37 out of a total of 230 [[patient]]<nowiki/>s were infected with [[COVID-19|covid-19]] infections in one month. Four members of the health care staff were also infected. The [[Peripheral blood smear|peripheral blood]] examination of the covid 19 infected hemodialysis patients had reduced levels of killer T cells, [[T helper cell|helper T cells]], [[Natural killer cell|Natural killer cells]], and lower level of [[Cytokines|inflammatory cytokines]] as compared to non-dialysis infected [[Patient|patients]].<ref name="pmid02.24.20027201">{{cite journal| author=Bose KS, Sarma RH| title=Delineation of the intimate details of the backbone conformation of pyridine nucleotide coenzymes in aqueous solution. | journal=Biochem Biophys Res Commun | year= 1975 | volume= 66 | issue= 4 | pages= 1173-9 | pmid=02.24.20027201 | doi=10.1016/0006-291x(75)90482-9 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2 }} </ref> | ||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
*Patients on maintenance hemodialysis and end-stage kidney disease have low immunity and multiple co-morbidities. They are at an increased risk of contracting the covid-19 | *[[Patient|Patients]] on maintenance hemodialysis and end-stage kidney disease have low immunity and multiple co-morbidities. They are at an increased risk of contracting the [[Covid-19|covid-19 i]]<nowiki/>nfection. A case series of 5,700 patients with [[COVID-19|covid-19]] infection was done in 12 hospitals under the Northwell Health system in New York. It showed a prevalence of 5% [[Chronic renal failure|chronic kidney disease]] and 3.5% end-stage renal disease in hospitalized covid-19 patients.<ref name="pmid32320003">{{cite journal| author=Richardson S, Hirsch JS, Narasimhan M, Crawford JM, McGinn T, Davidson KW | display-authors=etal| title=Presenting Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes Among 5700 Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in the New York City Area. | journal=JAMA | year= 2020 | volume= | issue= | pages= | pmid=32320003 | doi=10.1001/jama.2020.6775 | pmc=7177629 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32320003 }} </ref> | ||
* A research study done in Japan showed a higher mortality 16.2% (16/99) in dialysis patients as compared to the general population 5.3% (874/16,532). The average age of patients on dialysis was 70 to 90 years while of the general population was 20 to 60 years.<ref name="pmid32506762">{{cite journal| author=Kikuchi K, Nangaku M, Ryuzaki M, Yamakawa T, Hanafusa N, Sakai K | display-authors=etal| title=COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Japan: Current status and guidance on preventive measures. | journal=Ther Apher Dial | year= 2020 | volume= | issue= | pages= | pmid=32506762 | doi=10.1111/1744-9987.13531 | pmc=7301044 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32506762 }} </ref> | * A research study done in Japan showed a higher mortality 16.2% (16/99) in [[dialysis]] [[Patient|patients]] as compared to the general population 5.3% (874/16,532). The average age of [[Patient|patients]] on [[dialysis]] was 70 to 90 years while of the general population was 20 to 60 years.<ref name="pmid32506762">{{cite journal| author=Kikuchi K, Nangaku M, Ryuzaki M, Yamakawa T, Hanafusa N, Sakai K | display-authors=etal| title=COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Japan: Current status and guidance on preventive measures. | journal=Ther Apher Dial | year= 2020 | volume= | issue= | pages= | pmid=32506762 | doi=10.1111/1744-9987.13531 | pmc=7301044 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32506762 }} </ref> | ||
*A study was done in 208 acute care hospitals in the UK. The total patients studied were 20,133. It showed chronic kidney disease was one of the most common co-morbidity in hospitalized covid-19 patients present in 16% of patients.<ref name="pmid32444460">{{cite journal| author=Docherty AB, Harrison EM, Green CA, Hardwick HE, Pius R, Norman L | display-authors=etal| title=Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol: prospective observational cohort study. | journal=BMJ | year= 2020 | volume= 369 | issue= | pages= m1985 | pmid=32444460 | doi=10.1136/bmj.m1985 | pmc=7243036 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32444460 }} </ref> | *A study was done in 208 acute care hospitals in the UK. The total patients studied were 20,133. It showed [[Chronic renal failure|chronic kidney disease]] was one of the most common co-morbidity in hospitalized [[COVID-19|covid-19]] patients present in 16% of patients.<ref name="pmid32444460">{{cite journal| author=Docherty AB, Harrison EM, Green CA, Hardwick HE, Pius R, Norman L | display-authors=etal| title=Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol: prospective observational cohort study. | journal=BMJ | year= 2020 | volume= 369 | issue= | pages= m1985 | pmid=32444460 | doi=10.1136/bmj.m1985 | pmc=7243036 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32444460 }} </ref> | ||
*Clinical research was done by Alberici et al. at four outpatient dialysis facilities in Italy showed high overall mortality of 29% in dialysis patients.<ref name="pmid32437768">{{cite journal| author=Alberici F, Delbarba E, Manenti C, Econimo L, Valerio F, Pola A | display-authors=etal| title=A report from the Brescia Renal COVID Task Force on the clinical characteristics and short-term outcome of hemodialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. | journal=Kidney Int | year= 2020 | volume= 98 | issue= 1 | pages= 20-26 | pmid=32437768 | doi=10.1016/j.kint.2020.04.030 | pmc=7206428 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32437768 }} </ref> | *Clinical research was done by Alberici et al. at four outpatient [[dialysis]] facilities in Italy showed high overall mortality of 29% in [[dialysis]] [[patients]].<ref name="pmid32437768">{{cite journal| author=Alberici F, Delbarba E, Manenti C, Econimo L, Valerio F, Pola A | display-authors=etal| title=A report from the Brescia Renal COVID Task Force on the clinical characteristics and short-term outcome of hemodialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. | journal=Kidney Int | year= 2020 | volume= 98 | issue= 1 | pages= 20-26 | pmid=32437768 | doi=10.1016/j.kint.2020.04.030 | pmc=7206428 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32437768 }} </ref> | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
===Measures to prevent COVID 19 infection in hemodialysis patients=== | ===Measures to prevent COVID 19 infection in hemodialysis patients=== | ||
Strict measures should be taken to prevent covid 19 infections in hemodialysis patients and health care workers. The measures include: | Strict measures should be taken to prevent [[COVID-19|covid]] 19 infections in hemodialysis patients and health care workers. The measures include: | ||
====Screening of the patients==== | ====Screening of the patients==== | ||
*Appropriate screening of patients should be done before dialysis. The best approach is to call patients and inquire about covid 19 symptoms. | *Appropriate screening of patients should be done before dialysis. The best approach is to call patients and inquire about [[COVID-19|covid-19]] symptoms. | ||
*Patients reporting illness or covid 19 symptoms should be placed in the screening area. Hand sanitizers and face masks should be provided to patients. | *Patients reporting illness or covid-19 symptoms should be placed in the screening area. Hand sanitizers and face masks should be provided to patients. | ||
*A triage protocol should be instituted in dialysis facilities to take patients to testing clinics, particular dialysis facilities, and | *A triage protocol should be instituted in [[dialysis]] facilities to take patients to testing clinics, particular [[dialysis]] facilities, and [[hospital]]<nowiki/>s.<ref name="pmid32249840">{{cite journal| author=Ikizler TA, Kliger AS| title=Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 among patients on dialysis. | journal=Nat Rev Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 16 | issue= 6 | pages= 311-313 | pmid=32249840 | doi=10.1038/s41581-020-0280-y | pmc=7132217 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32249840 }} </ref> | ||
====Managing patients with suspected illness==== | ====Managing patients with suspected illness==== | ||
*If there are adequate resources in the hospital, patients should have dialysis at a specific shift, or a separate isolation dialysis ward should be made. | *If there are adequate resources in the [[hospital]], [[Patient|patients]] should have [[dialysis]] at a specific shift, or a separate isolation dialysis ward should be made. | ||
* | *[[Patient]]<nowiki/>s should be instructed to wear masks and cover mouth and nose while [[cough]]<nowiki/>ing and [[Sneeze|sneezing]]. This will reduce air droplet transmission of the [[virus]]. | ||
*Suspected covid 19 patients should have at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other in all directions. | *Suspected [[COVID-19|covid]]-19 patients should have at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other in all directions. <ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc=7269225 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | ||
====Personnel protective equipment==== | ====Personnel protective equipment==== | ||
*A selected group of healthcare personnel should be assigned for suspected covid 19 | *A selected group of healthcare personnel should be assigned for suspected [[COVID-19|covid-19]] [[patient]]<nowiki/>s. [[Personal protective equipment]] should be given to patients and healthcare personnel. | ||
*Healthcare workers should follow droplet and contact precautions. The workers should wear masks, gowns, goggles, shields, and gloves. Surgical face masks and N95 masks can be used. <ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | *Healthcare workers should follow droplet and contact precautions. The workers should wear masks, gowns, goggles, shields, and gloves. Surgical face masks and N95 masks can be used. <ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | ||
*Eyeshields and goggles can be used to prevent droplet spread via eyes. | *Eyeshields and goggles can be used to prevent droplet spread via [[Eye|eyes]]. | ||
====Disinfection==== | ====Disinfection==== | ||
Disinfecting personnel should also wear personal protective equipment while disinfecting the dialysis surface. The dialysis machine, chair, dialysis surface station including BP cuff, stethoscope, the chairside stand should be cleaned with disinfecting wipes and allowed to be air dry.<ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | Disinfecting personnel should also wear [[personal protective equipment]] while disinfecting the [[dialysis]] surface. The [[dialysis]] machine, chair, [[dialysis]] surface station including BP cuff, stethoscope, the chairside stand should be cleaned with disinfecting wipes and allowed to be air dry.<ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | ||
====Optimum utilization of resources==== | ====Optimum utilization of resources==== | ||
*As pandemic will be for a long duration, hence resources should be utilized optimally. The gown should ideally be worn by both the health care workers and the | *As pandemic will be for a long duration, hence resources should be utilized optimally. The gown should ideally be worn by both the health care workers and the [[patient]]<nowiki/>s. | ||
*If there are a limited number of gowns, then health care workers should wear it at the time of initiating and terminating dialysis, manipulating catheters and access sites, disinfecting dialysis station, and assisting to and from the dialysis station. | *If there are a limited number of gowns, then health care workers should wear it at the time of initiating and terminating [[dialysis]], manipulating catheters and access sites, disinfecting [[dialysis]] station, and assisting to and from the [[dialysis]] station. <ref name="pmid32198130">{{cite journal| author=Kliger AS, Silberzweig J| title=Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities. | journal=Clin J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 15 | issue= 5 | pages= 707-709 | pmid=32198130 | doi=10.2215/CJN.03340320 | pmc=7269225 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32198130 }} </ref> | ||
*The goggles and eye shields can be reused after proper disinfection procedure. The eye shields and face masks should be used for an extended time period. | *The goggles and eye shields can be reused after proper disinfection procedure. The eye shields and face masks should be used for an extended time period. <ref name="pmid32249840">{{cite journal| author=Ikizler TA, Kliger AS| title=Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 among patients on dialysis. | journal=Nat Rev Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 16 | issue= 6 | pages= 311-313 | pmid=32249840 | doi=10.1038/s41581-020-0280-y | pmc=7132217 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32249840 }} </ref> | ||
*A track of the personal protective equipment stock should be made. | *A track of the [[personal protective equipment]] stock should be made. | ||
====Work labor Management==== | ====Work labor Management==== | ||
*The healthcare workers are at risk for infection with covid-19 due to exposure. The exposure of health care workers can be minimized by working in shifts. | *The healthcare workers are at risk for infection with [[COVID-19|covid-19]] due to exposure. The exposure of health care workers can be minimized by working in shifts. | ||
*In this pandemic, the health care workers can become sick and shortage of health care staff can arise. To encounter it a back up list should be created to fill up the positions. Training courses should be conducted for the health care staff. | *In this pandemic, the health care workers can become sick and shortage of health care staff can arise. To encounter it a back up list should be created to fill up the positions. Training courses should be conducted for the health care staff. <ref name="pmid32249840">{{cite journal| author=Ikizler TA, Kliger AS| title=Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 among patients on dialysis. | journal=Nat Rev Nephrol | year= 2020 | volume= 16 | issue= 6 | pages= 311-313 | pmid=32249840 | doi=10.1038/s41581-020-0280-y | pmc=7132217 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=32249840 }} </ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:02, 29 June 2020
Overview
The Covid-19 infection has high mortality among dialysis patients as compared to normal individuals. One of the factors for increased mortality for dialysis patients as compared to the general population due to COVID-19 infection is the increased age of the patients. Adequate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients.
Pathophysiology
Patients on hemodialysis have a mild clinical course of COVID 19 infection. It could be due to multiple reasons.
- Patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease have low immunity. The low immunity results in low-intensity cytokine storm in response to viral antigens. The patients on maintenance hemodialysis rarely present with a full-blown clinical picture of pneumonia.[1]
- Hypercoagulation plays an important role in aggravating the disease. Hypercoagulation initiates the coagulation cascade resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC results in organ dysfunction and high mortality in COVID 19 infection. Anticoagulants administered during hemodialysis inhibit coagulation cascade preventing hypercoagulation and DIC.[2]
- In a study done at a hemodialysis center at Renmin Hospital in Wuhan, 37 out of a total of 230 patients were infected with covid-19 infections in one month. Four members of the health care staff were also infected. The peripheral blood examination of the covid 19 infected hemodialysis patients had reduced levels of killer T cells, helper T cells, Natural killer cells, and lower level of inflammatory cytokines as compared to non-dialysis infected patients.[3]
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Patients on maintenance hemodialysis and end-stage kidney disease have low immunity and multiple co-morbidities. They are at an increased risk of contracting the covid-19 infection. A case series of 5,700 patients with covid-19 infection was done in 12 hospitals under the Northwell Health system in New York. It showed a prevalence of 5% chronic kidney disease and 3.5% end-stage renal disease in hospitalized covid-19 patients.[4]
- A research study done in Japan showed a higher mortality 16.2% (16/99) in dialysis patients as compared to the general population 5.3% (874/16,532). The average age of patients on dialysis was 70 to 90 years while of the general population was 20 to 60 years.[5]
- A study was done in 208 acute care hospitals in the UK. The total patients studied were 20,133. It showed chronic kidney disease was one of the most common co-morbidity in hospitalized covid-19 patients present in 16% of patients.[6]
- Clinical research was done by Alberici et al. at four outpatient dialysis facilities in Italy showed high overall mortality of 29% in dialysis patients.[7]
Treatment
Measures to prevent COVID 19 infection in hemodialysis patients
Strict measures should be taken to prevent covid 19 infections in hemodialysis patients and health care workers. The measures include:
Screening of the patients
- Appropriate screening of patients should be done before dialysis. The best approach is to call patients and inquire about covid-19 symptoms.
- Patients reporting illness or covid-19 symptoms should be placed in the screening area. Hand sanitizers and face masks should be provided to patients.
- A triage protocol should be instituted in dialysis facilities to take patients to testing clinics, particular dialysis facilities, and hospitals.[8]
Managing patients with suspected illness
- If there are adequate resources in the hospital, patients should have dialysis at a specific shift, or a separate isolation dialysis ward should be made.
- Patients should be instructed to wear masks and cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing. This will reduce air droplet transmission of the virus.
- Suspected covid-19 patients should have at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other in all directions. [9]
Personnel protective equipment
- A selected group of healthcare personnel should be assigned for suspected covid-19 patients. Personal protective equipment should be given to patients and healthcare personnel.
- Healthcare workers should follow droplet and contact precautions. The workers should wear masks, gowns, goggles, shields, and gloves. Surgical face masks and N95 masks can be used. [9]
- Eyeshields and goggles can be used to prevent droplet spread via eyes.
Disinfection
Disinfecting personnel should also wear personal protective equipment while disinfecting the dialysis surface. The dialysis machine, chair, dialysis surface station including BP cuff, stethoscope, the chairside stand should be cleaned with disinfecting wipes and allowed to be air dry.[9]
Optimum utilization of resources
- As pandemic will be for a long duration, hence resources should be utilized optimally. The gown should ideally be worn by both the health care workers and the patients.
- If there are a limited number of gowns, then health care workers should wear it at the time of initiating and terminating dialysis, manipulating catheters and access sites, disinfecting dialysis station, and assisting to and from the dialysis station. [9]
- The goggles and eye shields can be reused after proper disinfection procedure. The eye shields and face masks should be used for an extended time period. [8]
- A track of the personal protective equipment stock should be made.
Work labor Management
- The healthcare workers are at risk for infection with covid-19 due to exposure. The exposure of health care workers can be minimized by working in shifts.
- In this pandemic, the health care workers can become sick and shortage of health care staff can arise. To encounter it a back up list should be created to fill up the positions. Training courses should be conducted for the health care staff. [8]
References
- ↑ Zhang X, Tan Y, Ling Y, Lu G, Liu F, Yi Z; et al. (2020). "Viral and host factors related to the clinical outcome of COVID-19". Nature. doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2355-0. PMID 32434211 Check
|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Tang N, Li D, Wang X, Sun Z (2020). "Abnormal coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia". J Thromb Haemost. 18 (4): 844–847. doi:10.1111/jth.14768. PMC 7166509 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32073213 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Bose KS, Sarma RH (1975). "Delineation of the intimate details of the backbone conformation of pyridine nucleotide coenzymes in aqueous solution". Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 66 (4): 1173–9. doi:10.1016/0006-291x(75)90482-9. PMID 02.24.20027201 Check
|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Richardson S, Hirsch JS, Narasimhan M, Crawford JM, McGinn T, Davidson KW; et al. (2020). "Presenting Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes Among 5700 Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in the New York City Area". JAMA. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6775. PMC 7177629 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32320003 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Kikuchi K, Nangaku M, Ryuzaki M, Yamakawa T, Hanafusa N, Sakai K; et al. (2020). "COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Japan: Current status and guidance on preventive measures". Ther Apher Dial. doi:10.1111/1744-9987.13531. PMC 7301044 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32506762 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Docherty AB, Harrison EM, Green CA, Hardwick HE, Pius R, Norman L; et al. (2020). "Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol: prospective observational cohort study". BMJ. 369: m1985. doi:10.1136/bmj.m1985. PMC 7243036 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32444460 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Alberici F, Delbarba E, Manenti C, Econimo L, Valerio F, Pola A; et al. (2020). "A report from the Brescia Renal COVID Task Force on the clinical characteristics and short-term outcome of hemodialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection". Kidney Int. 98 (1): 20–26. doi:10.1016/j.kint.2020.04.030. PMC 7206428 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32437768 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Ikizler TA, Kliger AS (2020). "Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 among patients on dialysis". Nat Rev Nephrol. 16 (6): 311–313. doi:10.1038/s41581-020-0280-y. PMC 7132217 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32249840 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Kliger AS, Silberzweig J (2020). "Mitigating Risk of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities". Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 15 (5): 707–709. doi:10.2215/CJN.03340320. PMC 7269225 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32198130 Check|pmid=value (help).