COVID-19 in peritoneal dialysis patients in a Tunisian center

INTRODUCTION: The impact of COVID-19 on patients with chronic kidney disease is poorly understood. Given the co morbidity and immunosuppressed state of these patients, mortality could be higher than that in the general population, especially in patients on dialysis therapy. DESCRIPTION: Describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including peritoneal dialysis patients in a Tunisian center; data and clinical characteristics of patients on peritoneal dialysis who have been infected with the new corona virus between March 2020 and October 2021 were collected. RESULTS: Among 36 patients on peritoneal dialysis, 11 (30%) had COVID-19 infection during this period. The average age was 40 ranging from 18 to 82 years old. Sex ratio was at 1.8. As for initial nephropathy, it was diabetic in 45.45%, vascular in 18.18%, interstitial in 18.18%, lupus in 9.09% and undetermined in 9.09% of cases. Severe forms were noted in 54.54% of cases with a mortality rate among infected patients of 45.45%. CONCLUSION: Mortality due to COVID-19 seems to be increased in peritoneal dialysis patients and special measures must be applied to prevent the transmission of the virus and limit its damage in this vulnerable population.