The risk of death in people with COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness that can be severe and is caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of COVID-19 vary significantly. Two types of tests can be used to diagnose... read more increases if they also have acute kidney injury Acute Kidney Injury Acute kidney injury is a rapid (days to weeks) decline in the kidneys’ ability to filter metabolic waste products from the blood. Causes include conditions that decrease blood flow to the kidneys... read more (AKI). Factors that increase the risk of developing AKI among people with COVID-19 include the following:
Age
Race (Black people are at higher risk)
The presence of certain other serious medical disorders, such as diabetes, high blood pressure ( [hypertension), and heart disease
It is not clear exactly what causes AKI in people with COVID-19. Possibilities include the following:
Ischemia (inadequate blood supply to tissues) caused by the body's response to the virus
Inflammation caused by the body's response to the virus
Direct damage to the kidneys from the virus that causes COVID-19
Symptoms and blood and urine test results are similar to those of AKI caused by other disorders.
Doctors treat the acute kidney injury in COVID-19 by providing supportive care, including
Intravenous fluids and/or blood transfusions
If dialysis of the blood is required, anticoagulants (blood thinners) are given to prevent blood clots.
