COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population, with high mortality rates reported among patients on hemodialysis. However, the degree to which it has affected the peritoneal dialysis (PD) population in the United States has not yet been elucidated. In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics, presentations, clinical course, and outcomes of ESKD patients on PD hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: We describe the characteristics, presentation, and outcomes of adult ESKD patients on chronic PD hospitalized with CO­VID-19 in our 13 major hospitals in the NY health system using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Of 419 hospitalized patients with ESKD, 11 were on chronic PD therapy (2.6%). Among those 11, 3 patients required mechanical ventilation, 2 of whom died. Of the entire cohort, 9 of the 11 patients (82%) were discharged alive. While fever was a common presentation, more than half of our patients also presented with diarrhea. Interestingly, 3 patients were diagnosed with culture-negative peritonitis during their hospitalization. Seven patients reported positive SARS-CoV-2 exposure from a member of their household. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients on PD with COVID-19 had a relatively mild course, and majority of them were discharged home.