Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reported in 24% to 57% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 61% to 78% of intensive care unit admissions in patients with COVID-19. Compared with patients without COVID-19, those with COVID-19 develop more severe AKI, have greater dialysis requirements, and experience less in-hospital kidney recovery, which may increase their risk for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) or progression of existing CKD.

In a study of U.S. patients with and without COVID-19 who experienced in-hospital AKI, patients with COVID-19-associated AKI demonstrated faster rates of eGFR decreases after hospital discharge, independent of a patient’s baseline comorbidities or AKI severity. A better understanding of COVID-19 associated AKI should provide opportunities for clinical trials to improve outcomes and inform the guidelines of post-COVID-19-associated AKI outpatient management.

As we continue our journey, it is interesting to understand the disease process and how COVID-19 affects the entire person. Who knew that a respiratory virus could damage the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs? Stay tuned to changes in resident conditions, observe for abnormal lab values, etc. and more importantly listen to the residents if they have a physical complaint post-COVID-19.

Stay the course, stay well, mask up, get vaccinated, and stay tuned!