Assessment of Prevalence and Clinical Features of COVID-19 in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: Reports from Two Hemodialysis Centers in Iran

Introduction: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) have been deemed one of the most vulnerable populations due to their numerous comorbidities. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study conducted between March 2nd, 2020, and September 21st, 2020. It included 240 patients who underwent MHD at Shahid Beheshti and Vali-Asr Hospitals affiliated with Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Out of these patients, 44 were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on their Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test results or chest CT scan findings. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings of these patients were collected.Results: COVID-19 was diagnosed in 44 individuals, which accounts for 18.33%, and eight patients have died, which is 18.1% of the total COVID-19 cases. A total of 39 patients were tested through rRT-PCR, out of which 15 (34.09%) tested positive. Among the 44 patients, 26 were males (59.09%), and 18 were females (40.9%). The most common symptoms were fever (36.36%), shortness of breath (34.09%), cough (25%), and fatigue (13.63%). Additionally, 18.18% of patients were asymptomatic. Chest CT scans revealed ground glass opacity, consolidation, and pleural effusion in 54.83%, 48.38%, and 29.03% of cases, respectively. However, it was normal in 9.67% of patients. Peripheral and central pulmonary involvement was found in 70.96% and 19.35% of patients, respectively. The mean single pool KT/V (SpKT/V) was calculated as 1.10±0.39. Conclusions: Based on our findings, the COVID-19 outbreak is a significant cause for concern for in-center hemodialysis patients. These individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their underlying health conditions. Furthermore, the limitations in maintaining social distancing, increased public exposure, and pre-existing lung involvement in these patients can further complicate their management and potentially impact their overall outcome.