Investigation of acute kidney injury and related risk factors in patients with COVID-19

Introduction: The 2019 recent coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) is a novel pandemic disease in the world. The main organ involved in this viral sepsis is the respiratory system. Objectives: Regarding the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors as entering route for virus’ particles into cells, the kidney organ is another important target in this catastrophic sepsis. There is little data about renal complications and related risk factors in victims. Patients and Methods: All patients with COVID-19 admitted to a referral and tertiary center (Shohada hospital, Khorramabad, Iran) were included in the study. The research was performed from February 20 to April 19, 2020. Diagnosis of patients was confirmed by COVID-19 upper respiratory sampling using real-time PCR. Patients’ demographic data, clinical and laboratory variables were included in pre-designed questionnaires according to the considered factors; then all collected data was entered into SPSS-26 software and statistical analysis was performed. Results: All COVID-19 patients included in the study were 232 cases. Out of them, 99 cases were female (42.7%) and 133 males (57.3%). Among patients, 19 cases had AKI (acute kidney injury); of these cases. Out of AKI patients, 12 (63.2%) were admitted to the ICU, whereas the mortality rate in patients with AKI was 63.2%. AKI was significantly associated with older age, ICU admission, and lower lymphocyte count. AKI occurrence was associated with the history of hypertension, or underlying kidney disease but hadn’t a significant relationship with diabetes. Conclusion: According to this study, age is an important risk factor for renal disease and poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Hence, old age patients should be given more attention. Concerning more prevalence of potassium disorders, further monitoring of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia is recommended. Considering, poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and AKI, nephrologist’s consultation is necessary.