COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients

Objective. Evaluation of clinical observation, the course, the risk factors, and treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Material and methods. The retrospective, single-center, uncontrolled study involved 231 patients (132 M/99 W) aged 61.7+/-14.7 years with COVID-19 diagnosed. The SPSS software package was used for statistical analysis. Results. 72 (31.2%) of patients died, 68 (94.4%) of them had ARDS as the main cause of death. Comparative analysis in groups with favorable and unfavorable outcomes of the disease showed that age (68.1+/- 13.2 years vs 58.7+/-14.5 years, p<0.0001) and the comorbidity index (8.8+/-2.2 vs 6.2+/-2.6, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in those who have died compared to survivors. According to CT data, they were more likely to have 3rd or 4th-degree lung damage (72.2 vs 36.5%, p<0.0001), and the minimum oxygen saturation index: 67.6+/-12.8 and 87.8+/-10.9%, respectively (p<0.0001). Somorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation were independent predictors of the fatal outcome of COVID-19. Early administration of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 (in the first 3 days after hospitalization) in patients with a low prevalence of the pulmonary process (CT stage 1-2) was associated with a significantly lower frequency of fatal outcome. Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients is characterized by a high rate of mortality. Predictors of severe disease in this population are comorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation.Copyright © Infectious Diseases: News, Opinions, Training.

The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in hemodialysis patients

Patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis have one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates. The use of innovative methods capable of optimizing their treatment outcomes is important for clinical practice. Aims - to investigate the efficacy and safety of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in COVID-19 patients treated with hemodialysis. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective controlled single-center study with 102 COVID-19 patients on maintenance hemodialysis involved (M: 67;65.7%;W: 35;34.3%), aged 57.2+/-15.3 years. PCR-detected SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in all patients. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies were administered to 69 patients, who formed the study group (group 1). The control group included 33 patients (group 2). The combination of bamlanevimab and etesevimab was the most frequent therapy used (in 59 patients). Results. In the course of the disease, group 1 patients, compared to those of group 2, had statistically significantly higher blood oxygen saturation values (94.2+/-5.7 vs 89.8+/-10.7);they required less frequent oxygen support (29.0 vs 54.5%) and ICU treatment (18.8 vs 48.5%), respectively. Fatal outcomes occurred in 4 (5.8%) of 69 patients who received neutralizing antibodies and in 6 (18.2%) of 33 patients who did not receive the therapy, p<0.05. Except for one patient, all other patients in both groups developed an unfavorable outcome due to progressive lung damage. However, only 4 of 6 (2/3) patients with progressive lung damage died in group 1, whereas the similar course of the disease proved fatal in all cases in group 2. Conclusion. The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in hemodialysis patients is safe and effective when the drugs are administered early, the pulmonary process progression is insignificant and dominant SARSCoV-2 variants are sensitive to them.Copyright © 2022 Tomsk Polytechnic University, Publishing House. All rights reserved.

The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in hemodialysis patients

Patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis have one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates. The use of innovative methods capable of optimizing their treatment outcomes is important for clinical practice. Aims – to investigate the efficacy and safety of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in COVID-19 patients treated with hemodialysis. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective controlled single-center study with 102 COVID-19 patients on maintenance hemodialysis involved (M: 67;65.7%;W: 35;34.3%), aged 57.2±15.3 years. PCR-detected SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in all patients. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies were administered to 69 patients, who formed the study group (group 1). The control group included 33 patients (group 2). The combination of bamlanevimab and etesevimab was the most frequent therapy used (in 59 patients). Results. In the course of the disease, group 1 patients, compared to those of group 2, had statistically significantly higher blood oxygen saturation values (94.2±5.7 vs 89.8±10.7);they required less frequent oxygen support (29.0 vs 54.5%) and ICU treatment (18.8 vs 48.5%), respectively. Fatal outcomes occurred in 4 (5.8%) of 69 patients who received neutralizing antibodies and in 6 (18.2%) of 33 patients who did not receive the therapy, p<0.05. Except for one patient, all other patients in both groups developed an unfavorable outcome due to progressive lung damage. However, only 4 of 6 (2/3) patients with progressive lung damage died in group 1, whereas the similar course of the disease proved fatal in all cases in group 2. Conclusion. The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in hemodialysis patients is safe and effective when the drugs are administered early, the pulmonary process progression is insignificant and dominant SARSCoV-2 variants are sensitive to them. © 2022 Tomsk Polytechnic University, Publishing House. All rights reserved.

[COVID-19 in haemodialysis patients: result analysis of the first year of the pandemic].

BACKGROUND: Present concepts of the novel coronavirus infection prognosis in haemodialysis (HD) patients are rather controversial. There is little information on therapy efficiency and safety in such patients. We studied COVID-19 course specifics, prognostic factors associated with fatal outcomes, therapy efficiency and its transformation at different stages of the pandemic first year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective uncontrolled study included 653 COVID-19 HD-patients treated at Moscow City Nephrology Centre from April 1 to December 31, 2020. RESULTS: This period mortality rate was 21.0%. Independent predictors of COVID-19 unfavourable outcome in HD patients were pulmonary lesion extension (CT grades 34), high comorbidity index, and mechanical ventilation. Approaches to COVID-19 treatment modified significantly at different periods. Immunomodulatory drugs (monoclonal antibodies to IL-6, corticosteroids) were used largely at later stages. With tocilizumab administration, mortality was 15.1%, tocilizumab together with dexamethasone 13.3%; without them 37.8% (р0,001). Tocilizumab administration in the first 3 days after hospitalization of patients with CT grades 12 was associated with more favourable outcomes: 1 out of 29 died vs 6 out of 20 (tocilizumab administered at later periods); p0.04. There was no significant difference in death frequency in patients with CT grades 34 depending on tocilizumab administration time. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 in HD patients can manifest in a severe course with unfavourable outcome. It is urgent to identify reliable disease outcome predictors and develop efficient treatment in this population.

Novel coronavirus infection and hemodialysis: course and predictors of unfavorable outcome

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with end-stage CKD receiving hemodialysis replacement therapy (HD) were at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the specifics of treatment and the immunodeficiency state caused by uremia. The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics of the course, prognostically unfavorable factors, and outcome of COVID-19 in HD patients of the second wave of the pandemic. Materials and methods: a retrospective study was carried out on the material of observations of 325 HD patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the period from 09/01/2020 to 12/31/2020. The patients' age was 60.1±14.0 years. The duration of HD treatment was 30.0 (9.5;66.0) months. The endpoint was taken as the discharge from the hospital or death. Results: in 264 out of 325 (81.2%) patients, the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. CT scan of the chest showed signs of viral pneumonia in all patients. Mortality was 15.1% (49 out of 325 pts). In 79.7% of patients, the cause of death was ARDS. Comparative analysis showed that patients with a fatal outcome (group 2) were older (69.2±10.6 years) than patients with a successful course (group 1) of the disease (58.5±13.9 years), and differed in higher comorbidity index (7.8±1.9 versus 5.9±2.2, respectively). SpO2 in groups 2 and 1 was 65.2±10.1% and 92.1±6.4%, respectively (p<0.001). In the deceased patients, anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and hypoalbuminemia were significantly more pronounced, as well as indicators of GGT, alkaline phosphatase, ferritin, CRP, LDH, and D-dimer. In the fatal group, the proportion of patients with a procalcitonin level of more than 2 ng/ml was also higher. In multivariate analysis, only high comorbidity index and the need for mechanical ventilation were the independent predictors of the unfavorable outcome. In the group of patients with the favorable outcome, the combined therapy with immunobiological drugs and dexamethasone were used significantly more often than in the deceased group, while the frequency of their “isolated” use in the compared groups was comparable. Conclusions: COVID-19 in HD patients is characterized by severe course and high mortality. Independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome of the disease were a high comorbidity index and the need for invasive lung ventilation. Early use of immunobiological drugs and dexamethasone in combination with anticoagulants increases the effectiveness of treatment of severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients. © 2021 JSC Vidal Rus. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients

Objective. Evaluation of clinical observation, the course, the risk factors, and treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Material and methods. The retrospective, single-center, uncontrolled study involved 231 patients (132 M/99 W) aged 61.7±14.7 years with COVID-19 diagnosed. The SPSS software package was used for statistical analysis. Results. 72 (31.2%) of patients died, 68 (94.4%) of them had ARDS as the main cause of death. Comparative analysis in groups with favorable and unfavorable outcomes of the disease showed that age (68.1± 13.2 years vs 58.7±14.5 years, p<0.0001) and the comorbidity index (8.8±2.2 vs 6.2±2.6, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in those who have died compared to survivors. According to CT data, they were more likely to have 3rd or 4th-degree lung damage (72.2 vs 36.5%, p<0.0001), and the minimum oxygen saturation index: 67.6±12.8 and 87.8±10.9%, respectively (p<0.0001). Сomorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation were independent predictors of the fatal outcome of COVID-19. Early administration of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 (in the first 3 days after hospitalization) in patients with a low prevalence of the pulmonary process (CT stage 1-2) was associated with a significantly lower frequency of fatal outcome. Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients is characterized by a high rate of mortality. Predictors of severe disease in this population are comorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation. © Infectious Diseases: News, Opinions, Training.

Risk factors of adverse outcome of COVID-19 and experience of tocilizumab administration in patients on maintenance hemodialysis due to diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at a high risk of adverse clinical course of COVID-19. To date, the causes of high mortality in these groups are not fully understood. Data about peculiarity of clinical course and Tocilizumab (TCZ) administration in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to outcome of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are not yet highlighted in current publications. AIMS: Identification of risk factors (RF) of adverse COVID-19 outcome and evaluation of TCZ administration in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to DKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients treated in Moscow City Hospital №52 were included in retrospective observational study. The observation period was from 04.15 to 07.30 2020. The study endpoints were the outcomes of hospitalization - discharge or lethal outcome. Data were collected from electronic medical database. The following independent variables were analysed: gender, age, body mass index, time from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission, cardiovascular and general comorbidity (Charlson Index, CCI), cardiovascular event (CVE) during hospitalization, treatment in ICU, mechanical ventilation (MV), degree of lung damage according to CT data, level of prandial glycemia at admission, MHD-associated parameters (vintage, type of vascular access, frequency of complications). The autopsy reports were evaluated for the purpose of lethal structure investigation. In a subgroup treated TCZ the time from symptoms onset to TCZ administration and number of laboratory indicators were evaluated. RESULTS: 53 patients were included, mean age 68 ±9 y, males - 49%. General mortality in observation cohort was 45%, mortality in ICU - 81%, mortality on MV - 95%. High cardiovascular and general comorbidity was revealed (mean CCI - 8,3 ±1,5 points). The causes of outcomes according to autopsy reports data: CVE 37,5% (among them - acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization), severe respiratory failure - 62,5%. The independent predictors of lethal outcome were: MV (OR 106;95% CI 11,5-984;р <0,001), 3-4 degree of lung damage according to CT data (ОR 6,2;95% CI 1,803-21,449;р = 0,005), CVE during hospitalization (ОR 18,9;95% CI 3,631-98,383;р <0,001);CCI ≥10 points (ОR 4,33;95% CI 1,001-18,767;р = 0,043), level of prandial glycemia at admission ≥10 mmol/l (ОR 10,4;95% CI 2,726-39,802;р <0,001). For risk identification of upcoming lethal outcome a predictive model was created with the use of discovered RF as variables. The predictive value of this model is 92,45% (positive prognostic value - 96,5%, negative prognostic value - 87,5%). In TCZ treated subgroup the laboratory markers of adverse outcome were detected with application of correlation analysis. Among them: increasing level of CPR 24-48 hours before lethal outcome (r = 0,82), the reduction of lymphocytes count after TCZ administration (r = -0,49), increasing of leukocytes and further reduction of lymphocytes count 24-48 hours before lethal outcome (r = 0,55 и r = -0,52, resp.)). CONCLUSIONS: The number of RF of adverse COVID-19 outcome in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to DKD are identified. CVE is one of the leading causes of mortality in study cohort. According to our experience the preventive (instead of rescue) strategy of TCZ administration should be used.

Risk factors of adverse prognosis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis with Covid-19. Focus on cardivascular comorbidity. Single center experience

Background: patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at high risk of adverse clinical course of COVID-19. Study objective: analysis and evaluation of heart condition and risk factors of adverse clinical course of COVID-19 in patients on MHD. Materials and methods: 85 patients were included in retrospective observational hospital-based study in Moscow City Hospital 52 from 04.15 to 06.02.2020. The endpoints were results of hospitalization: discharge or lethal outcome. Several demographic, anamnestic, clinical and instrumental indicators were analyzed. Among them: gender, age, general and cardiovascular comorbidity (Charlson index, CCI), the type of vascular dialysis access, the etiology of ESKD, dialysis vintage, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular events (CVE) in the course of hospital stay (myocardial infarction, MI, pulmonary embolism, PE, and others), ICU admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), the results of echocardiography and lung computed tomography (CT). Odds ratio (OR) was calculated and logistic regression with step-by-step algorithm was applied to assess risk factors of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in cohort under study. Results: The mean age was 65±13 years (59%, males). Mortality in whole cohort was 43.5% (75%, in ICU patients, and 89% in patient on MV). The concomitant diseases were hypertension (92%), ischemic heart disease (54%), recent MI (19%), chronic heart failure (55%), permanent atrial fibrillation (20%) and diabetes (45%). Mean CCI was 6.6±2.4. Obesity was observed in 33% of cases. No statistical confidence was found in CCI (6.3±2.4 points (survivors) vs 7.0±2.3 points, p>0.05), BMI (26.8±5.3 kg/m2 vs 27.1±5.8 kg/m2, p>0.05). The total number of CVE - 20 (4 vs 16, p=0.019), MI - 10%, PE - 6%. No statistically significant difference was found in LV myocardial mass index - average index 140±33 g/m2 (138±36 g/m2 vs 143±30 g/m2, p>0.05), LA volume index - median 35 (33;40) ml/m2 - 35 (33;40) ml/m2 vs 36 (35;38) ml/m2, p>0.05. In 35% systolic disfunction of right ventricle was observed with no difference between groups. The average index of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 53±9% (54±6% vs 50±10%, p=0.019). The median of pulmonary artery systolic pressure - 40 mm Hg (30;53) (38 (30;52) mm Hg vs 42 mm (34;53) Hg, p>0.05). The highest OR was calculated for following parameters: MV (OR=31.95% CI 18-121, p=0.0001), CVE (OR=8.3, 95% CI=2.5-2.8, p=0.0001), CCI ≥6 (OR=4.8, CI=1.6-11.2, p=0.002) and LVEF ≤45% (OR=3-8, 95%, CI=1.3-11,3, p=0.018). Regression logistic analysis demonstrated a strong relationship of lethal outcome with MV (OR=18.0) and CVE (OR=8.5), the moderate relationship with male gender (OR=2.1) and CCI (OR=1.25). Conclusion: the predictors of adverse outcome of COVID-19 in patients on MHD are the need for MV, CVE, CCI ≥6, decline of LVEF ≤45%, male gender. Введение: пациенты на программном гемодиализе (ПГД) формируют группу высокого риска неблагоприятного течения COVID-19. Цель исследования: анализ структурно-функциональных особенностей сердца и факторов риска (ФР) неблагоприятного исхода COVID-19 у пациентов на ПГД. Материалы и методы: в ретроспективное наблюдательное исследование с 15.04 по 02.06.20 г. включено 85 пациентов. Конечные точки исследования - исходы госпитализации (выписка/летальный исход). Сбор данных осуществлялся путем анализа электронных историй болезни. Независимые переменные: пол, возраст, сердечно-сосудистая, общая коморбидность (индекс Charlson, ССI), тип сосудистого доступа, причина тПН, винтаж диализа, индекс массы тела (ИМТ), кардиоваскулярное событие (КВС) в ходе госпитализации (острый инфаркт миокарда (ИМ), тромбоэмболия легочной артерии (ТЭЛА) и др.), лечение пациента в ОРИТ, проведение ИВЛ, данные МСКТ ОГК и эхокардиографического исследования. Для оценки ФР неблагоприятного исхода рассчитывалось отношение шансов (ОШ), построена модель логистической регрессии с пошаговым алгоритмом включения и исключения предикторов. Результаты: средний возраст 65±13 лет, мужчины - 59%. Общая летальность - 43,5%, среди пациентов ОРИТ - 75%, на ИВЛ - 89%. Сопутствующие заболевания: артериальная гипертензия (92%), ишемическая болезнь сердца (54%), постинфарктный кардиосклероз (19%), хроническая сердечная недостаточность (55%), постоянная форма фибрилляции предсердий (20%), сахарный диабет (45%). Средний CCI - 6,6±2,4 баллов, ИМТ >30 кг/м2 - у 33%. Не выявлено статистически значимой разницы в группах исхода по ССI (6,3±2,4 балла (выжившие) vs 7,0±2,3 балла, p>0,05), ИМТ (26,8±5,3 кг/м2 vs 27,1 ±5,8 кг/м2, p>0,05). Общее количество КВС - 20 (4 vs 16, p=0,019), ОИМ - в 10% случаев, ТЭЛА - в 6%. Не выявлено статистически значимой разницы в группах исхода по индексу массы миокарда ЛЖ (средний показатель 140±33 г/м2 (138±36 г/м2 vs 143±30 г/м2, p>0,05), индексу объема левого предсердия - медиана 35 (33;40) мл/м2 (35 (33;40) мл/м2 vs 36 (35;38) мл/м2, p>0,05). У 35% выявлена систолическая дисфункция правого желудочка. Средние показатели % фракции выброса ЛЖ (ФВЛЖ) - 53±9%, (54±6% vs 50±10%, p=0,019). Медиана систолического давления в легочной артерии - 40 mm Hg (30;53), с тенденцией к более высоким показателям в группе летальных исходов - 38 (30;52) mm Hg vs 42 (34;53) mm Hg, p>0,05. Получены следующие отношения шансов (ОШ): ИВЛ (ОШ 31;95% ДИ 8-121;p=0,0001), КВС (ОШ 8,3;95% ДИ 2,5-2,8;p=0,0001), CCI ≥6 баллов (ОШ 4,8;95% ДИ 1,6-11,2;p=0,002), ФВЛЖ ≤45% (ОШ 3,8;95% ДИ 1,3-11,3;p=0,018). Регрессионный логистический анализ выявил сильную связь летального исхода с пребыванием на ИВЛ (ОШ 18,0) и с КВС (ОШ 8,5), умеренную - с мужским полом (ОШ 2,1) и CCI (ОШ 1,25). Выводы: предикторами неблагоприятного течения COVID-19 у пациентов на ПГД являются: потребность в ИВЛ, КВС в ходе госпитализации, CCI ≥6 баллов, ФВЛЖ ≤45%, мужской пол.