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Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are among those individuals at increased risk for developing more serious forms of Covid-19. This increased risk starts in the pre-dialysis phase of the disease. Providing useful information for these patients, in language that facilitates the understanding of the disease, can help nephrologists and other healthcare professionals to establish a more effective communication with these patients and help minimize contagion and the risks of serious illness in this population.
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Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Patient Education as Topic/standards , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications , Activities of Daily Living , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Elective Surgical Procedures , Hand Hygiene/methods , Hand Hygiene/standards , Health Facilities , Health Personnel , Humans , Nephrology/standards , Personal Space , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Renal Dialysis , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2 , Symptom AssessmentABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To systematically review articles that reported the impacts of social isolation on the physical and mental health of healthy older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) quarantine. METHODS: Electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and BIREME databases. It included cohort and cross-sectional studies published between January 2020 and January 2022 which evaluated the impacts of social isolation on the physical and mental health of older adults during quarantine. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021269720). RESULTS: Out of 8,505 studies identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria, with moderate to excellent quality. The majority of the older population perceived changes in their physical and mental health. Impacts differed in cohorts according to sex, age group, income, social participation, exercising before and during confinement, and living alone or with other people. CONCLUSIONS: The long period of social isolation dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in most older adults`, reducing levels of physical activity and/or generating depression, anxiety, fear, and mood problems. Follow-up studies are necessary to observe the evolution of these impacts. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Public policies must be developed to promote the emotional and physical health of the older adult population in the post-pandemic period.
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INTRODUCTION: Infection with the new coronavirus responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread worldwide. In Brazil, there are already more than 230 thousand dead, many of these older adults. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical characteristics of older Brazilian adults infected by COVID-19, in the epidemiological weeks (EW) 34-52, and to verify factors responsible for the increased risk of death. METHODS: Retrospective and observational study conducted with secondary publicly available data, provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. 1,544 confirmed cases of registered COVID-19 infection were included between August 16 and December 26, 2020, aged 60 or older. OUTCOMES: Demographic data, comorbidity, symptoms for disease, clinical information: days of hospitalization, chest X-ray, type of RT-PCR. RESULTS: 48% of patients admitted to the ICU with evidence for SARS-CoV-2 died. Symptoms and comorbidities related to increased chance of death (OR) were immunodeficiency (188%), kidney disease (166%), neurological disease (103%), dyspnea (86%), pneumopathy (55%), O2 saturation <95% (53%), respiratory discomfort (49%), age (36%), sore throat (31%), and sex (0.5%). There was a 5% increase in the chance of death for each year of life. CONCLUSION: Heart disease and Diabetes mellitus were the most frequent comorbidities, but did not indicate an increased risk of death from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Age, sex, sore throat, dyspnea, respiratory discomfort, O2 saturation <95%, neurological disease, pneumopathy, immunodeficiency, and kidney disease were significantly associated with risk of death from COVID-19.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Aged , Brazil/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Hospitalization , Humans , Laboratories , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of death. We aimed to describe the characteristics of a cohort of Brazilian hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 and assess their mortality rate and risk factors for death. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 741 Brazilian hemodialysis patients with confirmed COVID-19 from Feb-Dec/2020, of 52 dialysis centers of the country. We analyzed comorbid conditions, sociodemographic factors, and dialysis-related parameters. To detect risk factors for mortality in hemodialysis patients, we performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: From 9877 hemodialysis patients, 741 were diagnosed with COVID-19. Mean age was 57 ± 16 years, 61% were male, and 51% white. The most frequent symptoms were fever (54.1%), cough (50.9%), and dyspnea (37.2%); 14.2% were asymptomatic. There were 139 deaths (18.8%), with 66% within the disease's first 15 days. 333 patients (44.9%) required hospitalization, and 211 (28.5%) were admitted to an intensive care unit. The cumulative probability of survival at 90 days of diagnosis was 79% (95% CI 76-82%). In the fully adjusted multivariate model, the risk factors significantly associated with death were diabetes mellitus (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05-2.19, P = 0.026), use of a central venous catheter (CVC) (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.22-2.64, P = 0.003), age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, P < 0.001), and origin from the North vs. Southeast region (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.01-6.68, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis patients using a CVC as the vascular access, aside from diabetic and elderly ones, should be closely monitored due to their high risk of death in the course of the COVID-19.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Catheter-Related Infections/etiology , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Brazil/epidemiology , Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidence , Kidney Failure, Chronic/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Survival Rate/trends , Time FactorsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction The impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) and its worldwide clinical manifestations (COVID-19) imposed specific regional recommendations for populations in need of specialized care, such as children and adolescents with kidney diseases, particularly in renal replacement therapies (RRT). We present the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding the treatment of pediatric patients with kidney diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Articles and documents from medical societies and government agencies on specific recommendations for children on RRT in relation to COVID-19 as well as those focused on epidemiological aspects of this condition in Brazil Were evaluated and analyzed. Results We present recommendations on outpatient care, transportation to dialysis centers, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Discussion Despite initial observations of higher mortality rates in specific age groups (the elderly) and with comorbidities (obese, diabetics, and those with cardiovascular diseases), patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on RRT are particularly prone to develop COVID-19. Specific measures must be taken to reduce the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and developing COVID-19, especially during transport to dialysis facilities, as well as on arrival and in contact with other patients. RESUMO Introdução O impacto do novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) e as suas manifestações clínicas (Covid-19) em todo o mundo impôs recomendações regionais específicas a populações que necessitam de cuidados especializados, como crianças e adolescentes com doenças renais, particularmente em terapias de substituição renal (TRS). Apresentamos as recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia em relação ao tratamento de pacientes pediátricos com doenças renais durante a pandemia Covid-19. Método Foram avaliados e analisados os artigos e documentos sobre recomendações específicas para Covid-19 de sociedades médicas e órgãos governamentais sobre crianças em TRS, bem como aqueles focados em aspectos epidemiológicos dessa condição no Brasil. Resultados Apresentamos as recomendações sobre atendimento ambulatorial, transporte para centros de diálise, diálise peritoneal, hemodiálise e transplante renal em crianças e adolescentes durante a pandemia de Covid-19 no Brasil. Discussão Apesar das observações iniciais de taxas de mortalidade mais altas em grupos etários específicos (idosos) e com comorbidades (obesos, diabéticos e aqueles com doenças cardiovasculares), pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em TRS apresentam risco significativo de evoluir com Covid-19. Medidas específicas devem ser tomadas para reduzir o risco de contrair SARS-CoV-2 e desenvolver a Covid-19, principalmente durante o transporte para instalações de diálise, bem como na chegada e no contato com outros pacientes.
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ABSTRACT We produced this document to bring pertinent information to the practice of nephrology, as regards to the renal involvement with COVID-19, the management of acute kidney injury cases, and practical guidance on the provision of dialysis support.As information on COVID-19 evolves at a pace never before seen in medical science, these recommendations, although based on recent scientific evidence, refer to the present moment. The guidelines may be updated when published data and other relevant information become available. RESUMO Este documento foi desenvolvido para trazer informações pertinentes à prática nefrológica em relação ao conhecimento sobre o acometimento renal da COVID-19, conduta frente aos casos de injúria renal aguda e orientações práticas sobre a provisão do suporte dialítico.Como as informações sobre a COVID-19 evoluem a uma velocidade jamais vista na ciência médica, as orientações apresentadas, embora baseadas em evidências científicas recentes, referem-se ao momento presente. Essas orientaços poderão ser atualizadas à medida que dados publicados e outras informações relevantes venham a ser disponibilizadas.
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ABSTRACT The Covid-19 pandemic brought several challenges to the healthcare system: diagnosis, treatment and measures to prevent the spread of the disease. With the greater availability and variety of diagnostic tests, it is essential to properly interpret them. This paper intends to help dialysis units concerning the use of clinical criteria and diagnostic tests for decision making regarding the discontinuation of isolation of patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19, as well as the return to work activities for employees with suspected or confirmed Covid-19. RESUMO A pandemia da Covid-19 trouxe desafios ao sistema de saúde em diversas esferas: diagnóstico, tratamento e medidas para evitar a disseminação da doença. Com a maior disponibilização e variedades de testes diagnósticos, torna-se fundamental sua adequada interpretação. Este posicionamento pretende orientar unidades de diálise em relação ao uso de critérios clínicos e testes diagnósticos para a tomada de decisão referente à descontinuação do isolamento de pacientes com suspeita ou confirmação de Covid-19, assim como para o retorno às atividades laborais de colaboradores com suspeita ou confirmação de Covid-19.
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ABSTRACT Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have shown promising preliminary results and have been discussed as therapeutic options for patients with Covid-19. Despite the lack of robust evidence demonstrating the benefits and justifying the use of one of these drugs, the final decision is the responsibility of the attending physician and should be individualized and shared, whenever possible. This position statement recommends dosage adjustment for these drugs in the context of renal impairment. RESUMO Em razão de resultados preliminares promissores, a hidroxicloroquina e a cloroquina têm sido discutidas como opção terapêutica para pacientes com Covid-19. Apesar da ausência de estudos robustos que evidenciem o benefício e justifiquem o uso de uma dessas drogas, a decisão final compete ao médico assistente, devendo ser individualizada e, sempre que possível, compartilhada. A presente nota pretende orientar o ajuste posológico dessas drogas no contexto da disfunção renal.
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ABSTRACT Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are among those individuals at increased risk for developing more serious forms of Covid-19. This increased risk starts in the pre-dialysis phase of the disease. Providing useful information for these patients, in language that facilitates the understanding of the disease, can help nephrologists and other healthcare professionals to establish a more effective communication with these patients and help minimize contagion and the risks of serious illness in this population. RESUMO Pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica estão entre os indivíduos de risco aumentado para desenvolvimento de formas mais sérias de Covid-19. Esse risco aumentado inicia-se já na fase pré-dialítica da doença. Fornecer informações úteis para esses pacientes, em linguagem que facilite o entendimento da doença, pode ajudar nefrologistas e outros profissionais de saúde a estabelecerem uma comunicação mais efetiva com esses pacientes e ajudar a minimizar o contágio e os riscos de doença grave nessa população.
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ABSTRACT Considering the new coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19), the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, represented by the Peritoneal Steering Committee, in agreement with the and the Dialysis Department, developed a series of recommendations for good clinical practices for peritoneal dialysis (PD) clinics, to be considered during the period of the Covid-19 epidemic. We aim to minimize the disease spread, protecting patients and staff, and ensuring the quality of the treatment provided and adequate follow-up for PD patients. The recommendations suggested at this moment must be adapted to each clinic's reality and the conditions of the structural and human resources, dependent on the adequate financial provision of the public health system for its full implementation. RESUMO Considerando a nova epidemia de coronavírus (Covid-19), a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia, representada pelo Comitê de Diálise Peritoneal, em concordância com a diretoria e o Departamento de Diálise, desenvolveu uma série de recomendações de boas práticas clínicas para os serviços de diálise peritoneal a serem consideradas durante o período da epidemia de Covid-19, com o objetivo de minimizar a disseminação da doença, proteger pacientes e funcionários e garantir a qualidade do tratamento prestado e acompanhamento adequado para os pacientes em DP. As recomendações aqui sugeridas devem ser adaptadas a cada realidade de serviço e às condições estruturais e de recursos humanos e dependem da provisão financeira adequada do sistema público de saúde para sua plena implementação.
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ABSTRACT These recommendations were created after the publication of informative note 3/2020- CGGAP/DESF/SAPS/MS, of April 4, 2020, in which the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommended the use of a cloth mask by the population, in public places. Taking into account the necessary prioritization of the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for patients with suspected or confirmed disease, as well as for healthcare professionals, the SBN is favorable concerning the wear of cloth masks by chronic kidney patients in dialysis, in public settings, except in the dialysis setting. The present recommendations have eleven items, related to this rationale, the procedures, indications, contraindications, as well as appropriate fabrics for the mask, and hygiene care to be adopted. These recommendations may change, at any time, in the light of new evidence. RESUMO As presentes recomendações foram elaboradas após a publicação da Nota Informativa nº 3/2020 CGGAP/DESF/SAPS/MS, em 4 de abril de 2020, na qual o Ministério da Saúde recomenda o uso de máscara de pano por toda a população, em locais públicos. Levando-se em consideração a necessária priorização do fornecimento de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) para pacientes com suspeita ou confirmação da doença, assim como para profissionais de saúde, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) posicionou-se favoravelmente ao uso de máscaras de pano por pacientes renais crônicos em diálise, em ambientes públicos, exceto no ambiente da diálise. As presentes recomendações englobam onze itens relativos ao que é racional para posicionamento, procedimentos, indicações, contraindicações, assim como tecidos apropriados para confecção e os cuidados de higiene a serem adotados. Essas recomendações poderão ser modificadas a qualquer momento, à luz de novas evidências.
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OBJECTIVE: Interval cytoreduction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a well-recognized treatment alternative to primary debulking surgery in the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer where patient and/or disease factors prevent complete macroscopic disease resection to be achieved. More recently, the strain of the global COVID-19 pandemic on hospital resources has forced many units to alter the timing of interval surgery and extend the number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles. In order to support this paradigm shift and provide more accurate counseling during these unprecedented times, we investigated the survival outcomes in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients with the intent of maximal cytoreduction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy with respect to timing of surgery and degree of cytoreduction. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients aged 18 years and above with FIGO (2014) stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the intention of interval cytoreduction surgery between January 2008 and December 2017 was conducted. Overall and progression-free survival outcomes were analyzed and compared with patients who only received chemotherapy. Outcome measures were correlated with the number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles and amount of residual disease following surgery. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-one patients (median age 67 (range 20-91) years) were included in the study with 572 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery and 99 patients with chemotherapy only. There was no difference in the proportion of patients in whom complete cytoreduction was achieved based on number of cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (2-4 cycles: 67.7%, n=337/498); ≥5 cycles: 62.2%, n=46/74). Patients undergoing cytoreduction surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a median 5-year progression-free and overall survival of 24 and 38 months, respectively. No significant difference in overall survival between surgical groups was observed (interval cytoreduction: 41 months vs delayed cytoreduction: 43 months, p=0.52). Those who achieved complete cytoreduction to R0 (no macroscopic disease) had a significant median overall survival advantage compared with those with any macroscopic residual disease (R0: 49-51 months vs R<1: 22-39 months, p<0.001 vs R≥1: 23-26 months, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Survival outcomes do not appear to be worse for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy if cytoreduction surgery is delayed beyond three cycles. In advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients the imperative to achieve complete surgical cytoreduction remains gold standard, irrespective of surgical timing, for best survival benefit.
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/mortality , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/surgery , Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures/methods , Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/pathology , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The Covid-19 pandemic brought several challenges to the healthcare system: diagnosis, treatment and measures to prevent the spread of the disease. With the greater availability and variety of diagnostic tests, it is essential to properly interpret them. This paper intends to help dialysis units concerning the use of clinical criteria and diagnostic tests for decision making regarding the discontinuation of isolation of patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19, as well as the return to work activities for employees with suspected or confirmed Covid-19.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/standards , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Nephrology/standards , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Renal Dialysis , Return to Work , Algorithms , Brazil , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Checklist , Clinical Decision-Making , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Pandemics , Patient Isolation , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards , SARS-CoV-2 , Societies, Medical/standards , Urology Department, Hospital/standardsABSTRACT
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have shown promising preliminary results and have been discussed as therapeutic options for patients with Covid-19. Despite the lack of robust evidence demonstrating the benefits and justifying the use of one of these drugs, the final decision is the responsibility of the attending physician and should be individualized and shared, whenever possible. This position statement recommends dosage adjustment for these drugs in the context of renal impairment.
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Antimalarials/administration & dosage , Chloroquine/administration & dosage , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Hydroxychloroquine/administration & dosage , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Renal Insufficiency , Brazil , COVID-19 , Humans , Nephrology , Pandemics , Societies, Medical , COVID-19 Drug TreatmentABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) and its worldwide clinical manifestations (COVID-19) imposed specific regional recommendations for populations in need of specialized care, such as children and adolescents with kidney diseases, particularly in renal replacement therapies (RRT). We present the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding the treatment of pediatric patients with kidney diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Articles and documents from medical societies and government agencies on specific recommendations for children on RRT in relation to COVID-19 as well as those focused on epidemiological aspects of this condition in Brazil Were evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: We present recommendations on outpatient care, transportation to dialysis centers, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. DISCUSSION: Despite initial observations of higher mortality rates in specific age groups (the elderly) and with comorbidities (obese, diabetics, and those with cardiovascular diseases), patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on RRT are particularly prone to develop COVID-19. Specific measures must be taken to reduce the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and developing COVID-19, especially during transport to dialysis facilities, as well as on arrival and in contact with other patients.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Kidney Diseases/therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Renal Replacement Therapy/standards , Adolescent , Ambulatory Care , Brazil/epidemiology , COVID-19 , Child , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Humans , Hygiene/standards , Kidney Transplantation , Masks , Nephrology/standards , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Patient Isolation , Pediatrics , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Societies, Medical , Symptom Assessment , Transportation of PatientsABSTRACT
We produced this document to bring pertinent information to the practice of nephrology, as regards to the renal involvement with COVID-19, the management of acute kidney injury cases, and practical guidance on the provision of dialysis support.As information on COVID-19 evolves at a pace never before seen in medical science, these recommendations, although based on recent scientific evidence, refer to the present moment. The guidelines may be updated when published data and other relevant information become available.
Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Renal Replacement Therapy/standards , Vascular Access Devices/standards , Acute Kidney Injury/epidemiology , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Brazil/epidemiology , COVID-19 , Clinical Decision-Making , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Critical Care , Humans , Kidney/drug effects , Nephrology/standards , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Personal Protective Equipment , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Recovery of Function , Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects , SARS-CoV-2 , Societies, MedicalABSTRACT
Considering the new coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19), the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, represented by the Peritoneal Steering Committee, in agreement with the and the Dialysis Department, developed a series of recommendations for good clinical practices for peritoneal dialysis (PD) clinics, to be considered during the period of the Covid-19 epidemic. We aim to minimize the disease spread, protecting patients and staff, and ensuring the quality of the treatment provided and adequate follow-up for PD patients. The recommendations suggested at this moment must be adapted to each clinic's reality and the conditions of the structural and human resources, dependent on the adequate financial provision of the public health system for its full implementation.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Pandemics/prevention & control , Peritoneal Dialysis/standards , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Brazil , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Disinfection/methods , Disinfection/standards , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Masks , Nephrology/standards , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Patient Care Team , Patient Education as Topic , Patient Isolation/methods , Patient Isolation/standards , Peritoneal Dialysis/instrumentation , Peritoneal Dialysis/methods , Personal Protective Equipment , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Societies, Medical , Telemedicine/legislation & jurisprudence , Telemedicine/methods , Telemedicine/standards , Urology Department, Hospital/organization & administration , Urology Department, Hospital/standardsABSTRACT
Dialysis units are environments potentially prone to the spread of Covid-19. Patients cannot suspend treatment, and they often have comorbidities, which assigns them a higher risk and worse prognosis. The Brazilian Society of Nephrology prepared this document of good practices, whose technical recommendations deal with general measures that can be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission and prevent the spread of the disease in the unit.