Covid-19 (Sars-Cov-2 Infection) Information for Patients with Predialytic Chronic Kidney Disease.

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.

Evaluation of central venous catheter and other risk factors for mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 in Brazil.

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.

Recommendations Of The Brazilian Society Of Nephrology Regarding Pediatric Patients On Renal Replacement Therapy During The Covid-19 Pandemic

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.

Technical note and clinical instructions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in patients with Covid-19: Brazilian Society of Nephrology and Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine

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.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology for approaching Covid-19 Diagnostic Testing in Dialysis Units

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.

Position statement from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drug dose adjustment according to renal function

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.

Covid-19 (Sars-Cov-2 Infection) Information for Patients with Predialytic Chronic Kidney Disease

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.

Good practices recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology to Peritoneal Dialysis Services related to the new coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic

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.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding the use of cloth face coverings, by chronic kidney patients in dialysis, during the new coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19)

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.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology for approaching Covid-19 Diagnostic Testing in Dialysis Units.

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.

Position statement from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine drug dose adjustment according to renal function.

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.

Recommendations Of The Brazilian Society Of Nephrology Regarding Pediatric Patients On Renal Replacement Therapy During The Covid-19 Pandemic.

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.

Technical note and clinical instructions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in patients with Covid-19: Brazilian Society of Nephrology and Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine.

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.

Good practices recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology to Peritoneal Dialysis Services related to the new coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic.

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.

Good Practice Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology to Dialysis Units Concerning the Pandemic of the New Coronavirus (Covid-19).

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.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding the use of cloth face coverings, by chronic kidney patients in dialysis, during the new coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

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.