Nephrologic Disorders and COVID-19

To go to the COVID-19 project topics list, click here.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sogand Goudarzi, MD [2] Nasrin Nikravangolsefid, MD-MPH [3]

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Complication 1: Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19

Synonyms and keywords: Acute Kidney Injury, Acute Renal Failure, AKI, ARF

Overview

COVID-19 can involve many organs leading to organ failure, one of which is kidneys that present with mild proteinuria to advanced acute kidney injury (AKI).

Pathophysiology

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is a primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, mostly presents in renal tubular epithelial cells as well as lungs and heart.
• Despite kidney injury following COVID-19 infection is less frequent than severe lung injury, ACE2: ACE ratio is higher in the kidneys compared to the respiratory system. (1:1 in the kidneys VS 1:20 in the respiratory system)
• After SARS-CoV-2 enters through the nasal cavity, it may travel to the kidneys and enters the bloodstream leading to severe inflammatory response activation and cytokine storm.
• It is thought that AKI following COVID-19 is the result of
  • Sepsis
  • Hypovolemia and Hypotension
  • Hypoxemia
  • Blood clots formation, leading to impaired blood flow in the renal arterioles.
• AKI often occurs at later stages in critically ill patients with COVID-19 following multiple organ failure.

Natural history

• Severe COVID-19 pneumonia and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome are associated with developing AKI.
• Approximately half of the new AKI cases following COVID-19 is mild with good short-term prognosis.
• If no improvement occurs during follow-up, it is contributed to higher mortality.

History and Symptoms

• Patients in the early stages of kidney failure may be asymptomatic. If left untreated, patients may progress to develop Azotemia and Uremia, which occur due to the buildup of waste materials in the blood.

History and Symptoms

• Symptoms of kidney injury include:
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Oliguria or Anuria
  • Fluid retention, leading edema and swelling of face, extremities
  • Electrolyte imbalance; High level of Potassium which leads to cardiac arrhythmia

Physical Examination

Diagnosis

Laboratory Findings

• Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of AKI include:
  • Elevated BUN level
  • Based on KDIGO definition for the diagnosis of AKI:
    • Elevated serum Creatinine by ≥0.3 mg/dl (≥26.5 μmol/l) within 48 hours; or
    • Elevated serum Creatinine to ≥1.5 times baseline within the previous 7 days; or
    • Urine volume < 0.5 ml/kg/h for >6 hours

Electrocardiogram

• There are no specific ECG findings associated with AKI. However, electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia might lead to various ECG findings.

Ultrasound Finding

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

• Management of AKI following COVID-19 includes treatment of infection, identifying electrolyte disorders, and intravenous fluid administration.

AKI Medical Therapy

• Treatment of AKI following COVID-19 includes:
  • Correction of hypovolemia and hypotension by the administration of adequate intravenous fluid
  • Correction of electrolyte disturbances
  • Renal Replacement Therapy
    • If AKI is unresponsive to conservative therapy
    • In volume overload conditions
    • Modality of choice in unstable hemodynamic status
  • Anticoagulants in hypercoagulable conditions
  • Sequential extracorporeal therapy