To observe World Kidney Day on 11 March, Life Fourways Hospital has compiled all you need to know about the link between Covid-19 and kidney damage.
Chronic kidney disease continues to be a problem plaguing the globe, with it being estimated that about 10 per cent of the world’s population suffers from a form of kidney disease1. With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, patients diagnosed with kidney disease have had to be particularly careful of not contracting the virus.
“While the lungs are the most commonly affected organ when diagnosed with the virus, in many cases the kidneys are also affected. Covid-19 can result in kidney damage in a patient who previously had healthy kidneys while worsening chronic kidney disease for those who have already been diagnosed,” explained Dr Tebogo Machailo, a specialist nephrologist at Life Fourways Hospital.
Research has shown that Coviod-19 can result in kidney tubular injury, a sudden reduction in renal functioning. As such, patients need to be treated for this potential complication at the onset of being diagnosed with the virus to ensure improved patient outcomes. “We have found that Covid-19 can cause damage to cells within the kidneys, resulting in a loss of kidney function,” said Machailo. “Our kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which is then excreted in the urine.
When the kidneys are damaged and not functioning optimally, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes build up in the body. This requires early detection and medical intervention.” During the Covid-19 pandemic, many South Africans delayed or postponed their routine check-ups and treatments due to the fear of visiting hospitals. Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease require routine check-ups coupled with well-managed treatment plans.
This makes it critical to diagnose and treat as quickly as possible, especially if a patient with chronic kidney disease tests positive for Covid-19. “We continue to encourage people to put their health first and to not let the fear of Covid-19 delay necessary screening, medical care or treatment, especially for those with chronic illnesses such as chronic kidney diseases,” said Machailo.
Life Fourways Hospital encourages all South Africans to protect their health during this time by leading healthier lives. This means eating a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as social distancing, hand-washing, and mask-wearing when out in public areas.
The Life Renal Dialysis unit at Life Fourways Hospital is a specialised healthcare service that provides acute and chronic renal dialysis to patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and complications.
According to Life Fourways Hospital, research shows that Covid-19 can lead to new kidney damage and exacerbate the state of the kidneys in a patient who has already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. “As such, we encourage all citizens to not delay being tested for Covid-19 should they present with symptoms associated with the virus. This will ensure the patient receives the appropriate care and an improved treatment outcome,” concluded Machailo.
