Cardiovascular Complications in Patients With COVID-19, CKD

For several reasons, the risk for cardiovascular disease among the millions of individuals worldwide with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high. Of various comorbidities, CKD is associated with the more severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients receiving dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant are at particular risk. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, cardiovascular complications have been seen in patients with CKD and COVID-19, including acute inflammatory manifestations, cardiovascular events, thrombotic episodes, and arrythmias. Researchers have suggested several pathogenic mechanisms for the complications, including direct cytopathic viral effects on the myocardium, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability. 

The complications may occur during the acute phase of the infection, as well as in the months following recovery. Lucia Del Vecchio and colleagues provided a review of the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19, with particular focus on implications in the patient population with CKD. 

Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation