COVID-19 infection in chronic dialysis patients in Argentina

The report of the preliminary data of the Argentine Registry of COVID in chronic dialysis is presented, from April 10, 2020 to April 9, 2021 and includes all dialysis centers in the country. In the study period, 36 918 prevalent patients on chronic dialysis were registered. COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 3709 patients (10% of prevalent patients), of which 1675 patients (45.2%) required hospitalization, and of these, 39% (550 patients) required ICU admission. 62% of those admitted to the ICU (339 patients) required mechanical ventilation (MV). 1307 patients died (35.24%). Multivariate analysis showed as factors associated with mortality from COVID M dialysis patients, age greater than 60 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.2-3.1); diabetes (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-1.8); time on dialysis greater than 55 months (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.7); cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.3); neoplasia (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.6); hospitalization requirement (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-3.9); ICU admission (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5); need of MV (OR 11.8; 95% CI 6.9-20.2). The population on chronic dialysis in Argentina, as shown in the rest of the world, is highly vulnerable to COVID infection, showing a lethality 12 times higher than the general population. The measures implemented in dialysis units, patient care and their family environment, and above all priority vaccination are essential in this vulnerable population of patients.