Acute Kidney Injury in Adult Iraqi Patients with COVID-19 Infection

Acute kidney injury patients with COVID-19 have worse outcomes than those without such complications. This study aimed to evaluate acute kidney injury in adult Iraqi patients with COVID-19.

This prospective study was performed on 250 patients with COVID-19. Laboratory parameters and chest computed tomography scan findings were gathered from the patient’s records. Patients were followed up for one week after hospital admission. According to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, patients were categorized with and without acute kidney injury. The mortality rate, ICU admission, need for dialysis, and discharging well were recorded.

Incidence of acute kidney injury was 23.2% and had a significant correlation with older age (p=0.006) and hypertension (p=0.034). Chest and abdominal pain were more common in patients with acute kidney injury. The mean serum concentration of inflammatory markers (D-dimer and C-reactive protein) in acute kidney injury patients was 1863.60±1599.00ng/ml and 66.65±60.81ng/ml, compared with 1387.30±1099.00ng/ml and 42.95±34.35ng/ml, respectively in patients without acute kidney injury (p<0.05). 41.38% acute kidney injury patients and 59.38% without acute kidney injury were discharged well after one week, with a significant difference. The mortality rate was significantly higher in acute kidney injury patients, 12.07% versus 4.17% (p=0.026).

Old age, hypertension, chest and abdominal pain were more common in acute kidney injury patients with COVID-19. High D-dimer and CRP at presentation may be considered as good indicators for the possibility of acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19. Acute kidney injury patients with COVID-19 have a low rate of discharging well & a higher mortality rate, and 10% need dialysis.