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Kidney Patients Face High Risk

In the news...COVID is a real emergency for kidney patients. (Read about "Coronaviruses" "Kidney Disease") Individuals with kidney failure and those who have received a kidney transplant are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. (Read about "End Stage Renal Disease" "Transplants") A new study indicates they have a higher risk of dying from it than adults in the general population.

The study used national data on kidney transplant recipients and individuals with kidney failure who are candidates for a kidney transplant.

In 2020, 11 percent of deaths in patients with kidney failure who were candidates for a kidney transplant were attributed to COVID-19, and these deaths were more likely in individuals who were male, obese (Read about "Obesity"), and belonged to racial/ethnic minority groups.

Compared with 2019, there was a 24 percent higher overall mortality rate in 2020 among patients on the transplant waitlist and a 20 percent higher rate among kidney transplant recipients.

COVID-19 can cause a range of issues, from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say symptoms can appear days after exposure and include:

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC says it will continue to update this list as it learns more about COVID-19.

If you have any symptoms, do not go into work. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Trouble breathing and /or persistent pain or pressure in the chest indicate an emergency situation and you should seek help. If you or someone around you develops new confusion or inability to arouse that too is a reason to seek care. Bluish lips or face can indicate a low oxygen level and should also be treated as an emergency.

As with other diseases caused by coronaviruses, COVID-19 is believed to spread from person to person through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

CDC says it is important that people take steps to protect themselves, including:

If you have any symptoms, do not go into work. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.

All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.

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By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.