National dialysis provider shows patients have nearly 25% mortality rate from COVID-19
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
A study of patients on maintenance dialysis at a nonprofit national provider showed nearly a 25% mortality rate for those who contracted COVID-19.
“Dialysis Clinic Inc. (DCI) is a national not-for-profit dialysis provider caring for more than 15,000 maintenance dialysis patients at 260 outpatient dialysis clinics in 29 states,” Caroline M. Hsu, MD, of Tufts University School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote. “All dialysis patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in DCI clinics between February 17, 2020 and June 1, 2020 are included in this retrospective cohort study, with outcomes ascertained through August 31, 2020.”
Of 7,948 patients, 438 were diagnosed with COVID-19.
Researchers found male sex, Black race, in-center dialysis vs. home dialysis and treatment at an urban clinic were associated with an increased likelihood of contracting the virus.
“Additionally, those with COVID-19 had a higher burden of comorbidity, with higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and of diabetes along with more patients who required assistance with activities of daily living and/or use of a wheelchair,” the researchers wrote.
Further findings showed patients who resided in a congregate setting, such as a nursing home, were 17 times more likely to have COVID-19.
Regarding mortality, 24.9% of individuals who contracted the virus died.
“Communities with dense urban populations, Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, and high numbers of nursing home residents have the greatest need for support during this pandemic” Hsu and colleagues concluded of the findings. “Measures such as expanded testing, community education, promoting capacity for telemedicine and financial support to facilitate physical distancing would reduce transmission. Because a large proportion of dialysis patients derive from these communities, nephrologists have a responsibility to advocate for better disease containment and greater relief for these communities.”
The researchers suggest these patients also be prioritized for vaccination.
Collapse
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts