COVID-19 tied to rapid and Accelerated Kidney Function Decline Compared to other RTIs: JAMA

The annual change in eGFR using a linear regression model determined the rate of kidney function decline. Statistical analyses were conducted between June 2023 and October 2024.

Participants

• COVID-19 cohort: 134,565 individuals (55.6% female; median age 51 years; baseline eGFR 94 mL/min/1.73m²).

• Pneumonia cohort: 35,987 individuals (53.8% female; median age 71 years; baseline eGFR 79 mL/min/1.73m²).

Key Findings

Kidney Function Decline:

• Annual eGFR decline was 3.4% (95% CI, 3.2%-3.5%) in the COVID-19 cohort.

• Annual eGFR decline was 2.3% (95% CI, 2.1%-2.5%) in the pneumonia cohort.

Hospitalization Impact:

• The rate of decline in annual eGFR among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 5.4% (95% CI, 5.2%-5.6%).

• It was comparable among patients hospitalized for pneumonia.

Baseline Characteristics:

• COVID-19 cohort: Younger median age, 51 years; higher baseline eGFR, 94 mL/min/1.73m²

• Pneumonia cohort: Older median age, 71 years; lower baseline eGFR, 79 mL/min/1.73m²

The study concluded significant association between COVID-19 and accelerated kidney function decline. Moreover, the effect was more evident in hospitalized patients. The findings tend to indicate that kidney health should be a priority when monitoring COVID-19 survivors to timely intervene and prevent the progression of CKD.

Reference:

Mahalingasivam V, Faucon A, Sjölander A, et al. Kidney Function Decline After COVID-19 Infection. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2450014. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50014