SARS-CoV-2 and the kidney.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been at the forefront of public and scientific attention since the initial report in December 2019. The kidney is one of the target organs of the causative SARS-CoV-2 virus. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to discuss the current understanding of COVID-19 renal disease from a primary care perspective, with the caveat that our knowledge of the pathogenesis, clinical course and outcome of the disease is still rapidly evolving. DISCUSSION: The kidney is one of the target organs of the causative SARS-CoV-2 virus, affecting the endothelium, podocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells. Clinical presentation ranges from isolated proteinuria, haematuria to severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy. Renal dysfunction associated with COVID-19 has a worse prognosis whether it be in the form of AKI or worsening of pre-existing chronic kidney disease, or in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy.