Covid-19 associated Acute Kidney Injury: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Whilst acute pneumonia is the main manifestation of Covid-19 infections, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common complication of the disease, associated with a poor prognosis. Covid-19 associated AKI (CAKI) is thought to be the result of multiple components including the virus’ direct toxicity, hypovolemia and the autoimmune response. The aim of this study is to review and discuss the pathophysiology behind CAKI and evaluate the incidence, risk factors and treatment performed to manage Covid-19 associated AKI in patients admitted in an ICU in Morocco. Methods: We analyzed the data of adult patients with a laboratory or imaging confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 (Positive test or CO-RADS 5) admitted in one of the ICUs of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat, Morocco, from January 1st 2020 to June 1st 2022. Results: Of the 550 inpatients included, 185 (33.63%) experienced AKI (22.16% stage 1, 18.38% stage 2, and 59.46% stage 3). Among CAKI patients, 31.89% required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Death rate after 7 days was 60.54%. Conclusions: Covid-19 associated AKI is a common complication of an infection with SARS-COV-2 that negatively affects the patient’s prognosis. The treatment is mainly supportive, and varies depending on the severity of the renal dysfunction.