COVID-19 Infection in Children and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus has affected millions of people worldwide and its severity is more pronounced in those with comorbidities; there is paucity of literature on its presentation and course in children and young adults suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aims: The aim of the study was to describe the clinico-epidemiological, biochemical, and radiological profile of children and young adults (up to 25 years of age) having CKD with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective study was done at a tertiary care “dedicated COVID” hospital between May 1, 2020 and August 30, 2020. Ten children and young adults (up to 25 years of age) with underlying CKD who tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and were hospitalized during this period were included; their clinical presentation, outcomes, biochemical, and hematological parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: All 10 patients (seven males and three females) were in stage 5 of CKD and were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at admission. Fever and cough were the most common presenting symptoms of COVID-19, while anemia (100%), leukopenia (50%), lymphopenia (30%), and thrombocytopenia (30%) were the hematological findings. Radiological abnormalities on chest radiography were seen in 50% patients with a majority having bilateral lesions. The median (range) duration of hospital stay was 21.5 (10–46) days; five (50%) patients needed intensive care support and one patient required mechanical ventilation who eventually expired. Conclusion: The presenting features of COVID-19 were similar in children and young adults with underlying CKD compared to their healthy counterparts; however, the mortality rate and intensive care requirement were higher and duration of hospital stay too was longer.