COVID-19 tied to rapid and Accelerated Kidney Function Decline Compared to other RTIs: JAMA
Researchers have found that COVID-19 is linked with a more rapid decline in renal function compared with other respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia. A recent study was conducted by Viyaasan and colleagues which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open. According to data collected from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) Project, there is an urgent need to monitor and manage the function of the kidneys for survivors of COVID-19 and prevent complications arising from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The overall objective of the study was to establish if kidney function decreased at a more accelerated rate post COVID-19 infection than any other respiratory infection, including pneumonia. This was a cohort analysis using linked data from the SCREAM Project in Stockholm, Sweden between February 1, 2018, and January 1, 2022. The study participants were adults who had at least one estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurement within two years prior to confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or pneumonia.
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
