COVID-19 in end-stage renal disease

Dialysis patients and recipients of a kidney transplant belong to a high risk group for Covid-19 associated mortality. Several studies from Europe and the US showed a mortality rate of approximately 20 % in this patient group. In addition, mortality rates might be possibly influenced in non-infected patients due to the avoidance of visits in and restricted access to health-care facilities. Until now there is no data on a possible excess mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, kidney transplantation) with and without Covid-19-infection in Austria. This study will help to identify guidelines for management and treatment of this highly vulnerable patient group in times of a pandemic.

Dialysis patients and recipients of a kidney transplant belong to a high risk group for Covid-19 associated mortality. Several studies from Europe and the US showed a mortality rate of approximately 20 % in this patient group. In addition, mortality rates might be possibly influenced in non-infected patients due to the avoidance of visits in and restricted access to health-care facilities. Until now there is no data on a possible excess mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, kidney transplantation) with and without Covid-19-infection in Austria. This study will help to identify guidelines for management and treatment of this highly vulnerable patient group in times of a pandemic.