Study reveals accelerated Kidney Decline in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
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New research sheds light on the potential long-term impact of severe COVID-19 infection on kidney function. A recent study,utilizing data from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) Project,found a stronger association between COVID-19 and accelerated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline compared to pneumonia. This finding suggests the need for heightened awareness and monitoring of kidney function in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19.
While severe COVID-19 has been linked to kidney damage even in patients without preexisting kidney problems, research on the long-term trajectory of kidney function after infection has been limited. The study, conducted by Viyaasan Mahalingasivam, MPhil, and colleagues from Barts Health NHS Trust, aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 infection contributed to a faster decline in kidney function compared to other respiratory infections.
“SARS-CoV-2 may directly or indirectly affect the kidney, with acute kidney injury observed in approximately 30% of COVID-19 hospitalizations,” explained Dr.mahalingasivam and his team. “While histopathological series have raised the possibility of irreversible damage,epidemiological inquiry into long-term outcomes has been limited.”
Comparing COVID-19 to Pneumonia
The researchers analyzed data from 34,565 individuals with COVID-19 and 35,987 individuals diagnosed with pneumonia between February 1, 2018, and January 1, 2022. The study focused on adults in Stockholm, Sweden, who had at least one eGFR measurement in the two years prior to their COVID-19 positive test result or pneumonia diagnosis.
The primary finding was a substantially larger decline in eGFR following COVID-19 infection compared to pneumonia. This difference persisted even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status. The study suggests that COVID-19 may have a unique impact on kidney health, leading to more pronounced long-term consequences.
hospitalization rates were higher in the pneumonia group (46.5%) compared to the COVID-19 group (13.3%). Among hospitalized patients in both groups, there were trends towards more males, lower educational and income levels, and more pre-existing health conditions.
COVID-19 Linked to Accelerated Kidney Function Decline
A recent study has highlighted a concerning association between severe COVID-19 and accelerated kidney function decline. Researchers found that individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced a faster decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – a measure of kidney function – compared to those hospitalized with pneumonia. This accelerated decline was even more pronounced among COVID-19 patients who required hospitalization. Prior to the pandemic, study participants demonstrated relatively stable eGFR levels regardless of hospitalization status. Though, after COVID-19 infection, the mean decline in eGFR was notably faster, particularly for hospitalized patients. In contrast, while pneumonia was also linked to some eGFR decline, the rate of decline after hospitalization was not significantly different from those who weren’t hospitalized. “In this cohort study,we found accelerated kidney function decline after severe COVID-19 that was of greater magnitude than after other causes of pneumonia,” the investigators concluded. The study authors emphasize the need for closer monitoring of kidney function in individuals who have been hospitalized for COVID-19. “We therefore propose that people who were hospitalized for COVID-19 receive closer monitoring of kidney function to ensure prompt diagnosis and optimized management of chronic kidney disease to effectively prevent complications and further decline.”
Study Details
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from a large cohort of individuals and found that the mean annual reduction in eGFR after COVID-19 was 3.4%, increasing to 5.4% among those hospitalized. In comparison, the mean annual reduction in eGFR after pneumonia was 2.3%.## Archyde Exclusive: Unmasking Long-Term kidney Damage in COVID-19 Survivors
**Archyde:** Today we welcome Dr. Viyaasan Mahalingasivam, lead author of a groundbreaking study from barts Health NHS Trust, to discuss his team’s findings on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on kidney function. Welcome, Dr. Mahalingasivam.
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** Thanks for having me.
**Archyde:** Your research paints a concerning picture for individuals who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Can you elaborate on the key discoveries from your study?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** Certainly. We focused on the long-term trajectory of kidney function in individuals who had COVID-19 compared to those who had pneumonia. Utilizing data from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) Project, we analyzed a large dataset of individuals in Stockholm, Sweden. What we found was a substantially faster decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of kidney function, among those who had COVID-19 compared to those who had pneumonia. This difference persisted even after accounting for other factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and the severity of the initial infection.
**Archyde:** These findings are quiet alarming. Does this mean everyone who contracts COVID-19, even those with mild symptoms, is at risk of long-term kidney damage?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** That’s an vital question. Our study specifically focused on individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, often indicating a more severe course of the illness. While we know that even mild COVID-19 can sometimes lead to acute kidney injury, more research is needed to understand the long-term impact on kidney function in individuals with less severe infections.
**Archyde:** So what do these findings mean for individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and their doctors?
**Dr.Mahalingasivam:** This research highlights the need for heightened awareness and close monitoring of kidney function in these individuals [ [1]( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9955527/)]. More regular eGFR checkups could help detect any early signs of kidney decline and allow for timely interventions.
**Archyde:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Dr. Mahalingasivam.We hope your research encourages further investigation and leads to better care strategies for individuals affected by long COVID.
## Interview with Dr. Viyaasan Mahalingasivam on COVID-19’s Impact on Kidney Function
**Archyde News:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mahalingasivam. Your recent study has shed light on a concerning long-term effect of COVID-19 infection. Could you tell us more about your findings regarding kidney function decline?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** Certainly. Our research focused on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on kidney health. We found a stark difference in kidney function decline between patients who had COVID-19 and those who had pneumonia. Specifically, individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced a significantly faster decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key measure of kidney function, compared to those hospitalized with pneumonia. Notably, this accelerated decline was observed even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, pre-existing conditions, and socioeconomic status.
**Archyde News:** This is quite worrying. What are the potential implications of these findings for individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, particularly those who were hospitalized?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** Our findings suggest that COVID-19 may have a unique and lasting impact on kidney health. While some kidney damage can occur acutely during the initial stages of COVID-19, our study indicates that the decline in kidney function can continue even after recovery from the acute phase. This means that individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19 might potentially be at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease in the future.
**Archyde News:** What are your recommendations for follow-up care for individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, especially those who were hospitalized?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** We strongly recommend closer monitoring of kidney function in individuals who have been hospitalized for COVID-19. This could involve regular blood tests to track eGFR levels and early intervention in case of any signs of decline. Early detection and management of kidney disease are crucial to prevent further damage and complications.
**Archyde News:** Are there any lifestyle changes or preventive measures that people who have recovered from COVID-19 can take to protect their kidney health?
**Dr.Mahalingasivam:** Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always important for kidney health. This includes eating a balanced diet, hydrating regularly, exercising regularly, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s also crucial to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
**Archyde News:** This research is undoubtedly valuable in highlighting a less discussed long-term consequence of COVID-19.What further research is needed in this area?
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms by which COVID-19 causes kidney damage and to identify potential treatments or therapies to mitigate its long-term effects.
**Archyde News:** Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, Dr.Mahalingasivam. Your work underscores the importance of continued research and vigilance in monitoring the long-term consequences of COVID-19.
**Dr. Mahalingasivam:** You’re welcome. It’s important that we continue to learn about and address the long-term effects of COVID-19 to ensure the best possible health outcomes for those who have been affected.
