Acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19 and cancer in intensive care: A clinical and retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction. As cancer patients are a high-risk group for COVID-19, it is important to understand the potential complications they may experience, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with AKI in cancer patients with COVID-19. Methods. The study was conducted retrospectively, using data from patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV2 infection. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results. In total, 143 patients were evaluated, of which 59.4% were male and aged 65.5 ± 12.8 years. The majority (81.1%) had a solid tumor. During their hospital stay, 43.3% of patients developed AKI, with 25.8% requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Patients with AKI were more likely to have hypertension (64.5%) and cardiovascular diseases (32.3%). They also required more mechanical ventilation (71.7%), prone position (18.0%), and vasoactive drugs (75.8%). The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with AKI (72.6%) compared to those without AKI (39.5%). After 12 months, 44 patients were followed up, of which 84% did not have AKI and 16% developed AKI due to COVID-19 while in the ICU. In conclusion, AKI in cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU was more common in older patients with underlying hypertension or cardiovascular diseases. These patients required more invasive procedures such as mechanical ventilation, prone position, and vasoactive drugs. The mortality rate was high even after discharge from the ICU.