SARS-COV2 INFECTION AND GLOMERULAR PATHOLOGY – PATHOGENESIS AND CLINICAL EXPRESSION

Introduction. The impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on the human body is multisystemic, with the involvement of all organs, causing various complications that require special care. Patients with kidney disease contracting SARS-CoV2 have an increased degree of severe disease progression. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with SARS-CoV2 and is a risk factor for severe complications.

The aim of the study. Carrying out a literature review on the impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on the kidneys, highlighting the pathogenetic mechanisms of action of the virus, as well as elucidating the risk factors of complications.

Material and methods. An analysis of the articles published in the years 2020-2022 was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS and HINARI databases. The search terms were: “kidney AND SARS-CoV2”, „ckd AND covid-19”, „COVID-19”, „SARS-CoV-2”, „chronic kidney disease”.

Results. The action of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the kidneys covers various aspects, from acute kidney injury to worsening of pre-existing chronic kidney disease. Most studies have shown that acute kidney injury is the most common renal complication in SARS-CoV2 infection and is associated with increased mortality. The severe form of SARS-CoV2 infection was determined in 25% of people with pre-existing chronic kidney disease. A worsening of renal function was observed in patients with kidney disease who had sustained COVID-19. The most common causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease associated with SARS-CoV2 infection were cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion. Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for developing serious form of SARS-CoV2 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic kidney disease was the most common comorbidity, competing with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Monitoring and assessing kidney function in a patient who has undergone COVID-19 is essential to prevent adverse complications and progression of chronic kidney disease.