Immunocompromised states caused the prolonged duration of viral shedding in middle‐aged and elderly hemodialysis patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the impact of hemodialysis on the duration of viral shedding in middle‐aged and elderly patients with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.MethodsThe study was a descriptive, paired cohort study. Hemodialysis participants (the HD group) aged 45–99 years infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 were matched (in a 1:2 ratio) with patients not undergoing hemodialysis (the non‐HD group) according to age, gender, vaccination doses, and comorbidity. The duration of viral shedding and clinical data were collected.ResultsNinety‐nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The duration of recovery was significantly longer for HD patients than for non‐HD patients (p < 0.05). Lower counts for CD45+ cells and lymphocytes, along with lower levels of albumin and hemoglobin were associated with a longer duration of viral shedding (p < 0.05).ConclusionHemodialysis patients with immunocompromised state, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia might lead to prolongation of the duration of viral shedding.