RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the impact of hemodialysis on the duration of viral shedding in middle-aged and elderly patients with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. METHODS: The study was a descriptive, paired cohort study. Hemodialysis participants (the HD group) aged 45-99 years infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were matched (in a 1:2 ratio) with patients not undergoing hemodialysis (the non-HD group) according to age, gender, vaccination doses, and comorbidity. The duration of viral shedding and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The duration of recovery was significantly longer for HD patients than for non-HD patients (p < 0.05). Lower counts for CD45+ cells and lymphocytes, along with lower levels of albumin and hemoglobin were associated with a longer duration of viral shedding (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis patients with immunocompromised state, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia might lead to prolongation of the duration of viral shedding.