COVID-19 and the kidney; mechanisms of tubular injury by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic, reported to cause asymptomatic to severe disease and eventually death. Multi-organ failure and death in patients with severe COVID-19 is associated with increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the blood stream. Renal impairment is reported in a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients and is associated with high mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is multifactorial and involving overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. This review updates the reader of recent publications dealing with the mechanisms underlying AKI in patients with COVID-19. A full understanding of all the possible ways in which the system plays its role in AKI is still a matter of research. Further studies are warranted to better understand the causes of AKI in COVID-19 patients.