Comparative outcomes of hemodialysis patients facing pre‐Omicron and Omicron COVID‐19 epidemics

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThis study elucidates factors affecting the severity and mortality in pre‐Omicron and Omicron strains of SARS‐CoV‐2 and vaccination impact.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective observational study included 1598 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Patients were grouped into “pre‐Omicron” and “Omicron” periods. The endpoint was severe COVID‐19 (oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 94%). Logistic regression examined associations between clinical factors, including hemodialysis (HD), and the endpoint.ResultsThe HD patient mortality rate dropped from 16% pre‐Omicron to 4% during the Omicron epidemic. HD was significantly associated with the study endpoint in both epidemics. Unvaccinated patients had a greater risk of reaching the study endpoint among patients receiving HD.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the Omicron variant, alongside vaccination and healthcare innovations, led to improved prognoses for HD patients with COVID‐19. However, HD patients remain at a greater risk for severe COVID‐19. Increased vaccination rates and optimized healthcare resources can improve this vulnerable population's prognoses.