COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACT ON DIALYSIS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SERVICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

Objectives. In this study, we have analyzed a series of parameters that reflect the function of Dialysis and Kidney transplant service of the Republic of Moldova as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients who supported dialysis and transplant.

Materials and methods. We have compared the main parameters considering the renal replacement therapy for patients with End stage renal failure during the last decade. From all dialysis units, there were accumulated and processed the data about the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among the patients with End stage renal failure and Acute kidney injury. There was established mortality rate among patients who undergone dialysis infected with COVID-19 during 2020-2022.

Results. Renal replacement therapy rate (hemodialysis + kidney transplant patients) in 2022 was circa 241 cases per 1 million inhabitants, including dialysis treatment – 205.7 patients / million inhabitants, kidney transplant patients – 34.8 patients / million inhabitants. The infection rate of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on dialysis constituted 33.4%, 24.2% and 15.5%, respectively, during 3 consequent pandemic years. The mortality rate among these patients was 27.3%, 24.2% and 8.9%, respectively. The association of COVID-19 infection in dialysis treated Acute Kidney Injury was registered in 17.6% cases (28 out of 159 patients) in 2020 and 39.3% cases (88 out of 224 patients) in 2021. One might mention high lethality rate in affected patients: 92.8% (26 out of 28) and 73.8% (65 out of 88), respectively.

Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic has directly influenced the function of Dialysis and Transplant service of the Republic of Moldova. During this period, the number of patients with acute kidney injury undergoing dialysis decreased, about 1/3 of the dialysis patients and those who undergone transplantation were directly affected by the pandemic. The statistical data regarding the impact of the pandemic on the dialysis service in the Republic of Moldova are similar to those published in the specialized literature.