ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic exerted complex pressures on the nephrology community. Despite multiple prior reviews on acute peritoneal dialysis during the pandemic, the effects of COVID-19 on maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients remain underexamined. This review synthesizes and reports findings from 29 total cases of chronic peritoneal dialysis patients with COVID-19, encompassing 3 case reports, 13 case series, and 13 cohort studies. When available, data for patients with COVID-19 on maintenance hemodialysis are also discussed. Finally, we present a chronological timeline of evidence regarding the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in spent peritoneal dialysate and explore trends in telehealth as they relate to peritoneal dialysis patients during the pandemic. We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the efficacy, flexibility, and utility of peritoneal dialysis.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Peritoneal Dialysis , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Dialysis SolutionsABSTRACT
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world. Individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk due to impaired immunity, comorbid conditions, and dependence on travel to medical care settings. We review the salient features of COVID-19 in this population, including the risk of infection, disease course, changes in dialysis unit management, use of investigatory medications, access considerations, home dialysis, and capacity planning.