Single-center Haemodialysis Experience in India During COVID-19

INTRODUCTION: Since COVID-19 has been announced as a pandemic, outcome of dialysis patients in terms of morbidity and mortality from India is lacking. We studied the clinical, epidemiological features of COVID-19 along with outcome in terms of mortality in our dialysis cohort. METHODS: Data of End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients who were admitted in COVID-19 designated hospital block as positive and suspected patients from 1(st) April 2020 to 31(st) July 2020 was retrieved. Data about epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, mortality outcomes of COVID-19 positive and negative patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 97 ESKD patients were admitted during the study period, of which 44 (45.4%) and 53 (54.6%) patients were found to be COVID-19 positive and negative respectively. The mean age of COVID positive patients was 46 years with 54.5% being female. Only three patients (6.8%) remained asymptomatic throughout the course of illness. Amongst COVID-19 positive, 20 (45.45%) were severely ill while 18 (40.9%) were having mild illnesses. Breathlessness (65.9%) and fever (61.4%) were common symptoms. The death occurred in 17 (38.6%) and 25 (47.1%) COVID-19 positive and negative ESKD patients respectively. 14 (82.3%) patients who expired amongst COVID-19 positive were having severe illness and significantly more were associated with negligible residual renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Breathlessness and fever were common symptoms amongst COVID-19 ESKD patients. Very few patients remained asymptomatic in our cohort and significantly more mortality is observed in severely ill patients and those with negligible residual renal function.