The Epidemiological Characteristics and Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: A Multi-center Study in Iran

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID- 19 emerged in December 2019. Although numerous features of the illness have been investigated, the impact of disease on those patients with underlying diseases, is still a major problem. The aim of this multicenter, cohort study, was to determine the clinical manifestations of COVID- 19 in peritoneal dialysis ( PD) patients. Five hundred and five patients, receiving PD, were enrolled in this study, out of which 3.7 had coronavirus infection. Fever was the most common symptom ( 63.2). The hospitalization rate was 10.5, 21.1 required admission to intensive care units ( ICU) and the mortality rate was 21. The most common cause of infection included close contact with the infected individuals and lower rates of protective equipment use. Although the incidence of COVID- 19 among PD patients is low, the severity of the disease and the mortality rate are quite high. Vaccination and adherence to preventive measures are strongly recommended in PD patients.