Hospitalization of vaccinated COVID-19 patients due to acute kidney injury is less likely to necessitate dialysis, and such patients are more likely to survive post-discharge compared to unvaccinated patients.

Hospitalization of vaccinated COVID-19 patients due to acute kidney injury is less likely to necessitate dialysis, and such patients are more likely to survive post-discharge compared to unvaccinated patients.

According to a new study being published in the esteemed journal, Kidney Medicine, vaccinated patients dealing with Covid-19-induced Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) have far better long-term outcomes compared to the unvaccinated crowd with the same condition.

The study showcases some eye-opening results. For instance, vaccinated patients are less likely to linger on dialysis post-discharge and are more likely to kick the bucket than their unvaccinated peers. Even after taking the not-so-subtle dip in kidney function due to AKI into account, vaccinated individuals have a better shot at survival.

Fact is, AKI affects a whopping 46% of Covid-19 patients. It ranges from a minor setback in kidney function to the need for dialysis,depending on its severity. But the long-term effects, both renal and survival-wise, have been clouded in mystery until now.

"Getting vaccinated for Covid-19 can significantly decrease the chances of experiencing complications caused by the infection in patients with AKI," asserts lead researcher, Dr. Niloofar Nobakht from the division of Nephrology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

The researchers analyzed an impressive 3,500 patients who wrestled with Covid-19 during the period March 1, 2020, to March 30, 2022. Out of these, 972 succumbed to AKI, with 411 (42.3%) of them unvaccinated and 467 (48%) boasting at least two doses of Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.

The results reveal that 65 (15.8%) of the unvaccinated bunch needed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), compared to 51 (10.9%) of the jabbed patients. What's more, unvaccinated patients had a 2.56 times higher chance of needing CRRT post-hospital release, a riskier in-hospital death rate of 5.54 times, and a 4.78 times higher risk of death during the long-term follow-up in comparison to their vaccinated counterparts.

However, the study does have a few limitations. Important baseline data for creatinine levels was missing, potentially impacting the AKI comparison. Furthermore, the researchers didn’t have data on COVID-19 severity, though they all were ill enough to require hospitalization. Lastly, the effects of booster shots were not considered in the study.

Nobakht concludes by reiterating the study's importance in helping us better understand how Covid-19 affects the kidneys and how we can monitor and manage kidney complications to enhance patient outcomes.

1. The study, published in Kidney Medicine, demonstrates improved long-term outcomes for vaccinated patients dealing with Covid-19-induced Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
2. The study showcases that vaccinated patients are less likely to linger on dialysis post-discharge.
3. Vaccinated patients are more likely to survive compared to their unvaccinated peers, even after considering the dip in kidney function due to AKI.
4. AKI affects a staggering 46% of Covid-19 patients, varying from a minor setback to the need for dialysis.
5. The long-term effects of AKI, both renal and survival-wise, have been a mystery until now.
6. Dr. Niloofar Nobakht, lead researcher from the division of Nephrology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, asserts that vaccination can significantly decrease chances of complications from Covid-19 in patients with AKI.
7. The researchers analyzed 3,500 Covid-19 patients, out of which 972 developed AKI.
8. Of these 972 patients, 411 were unvaccinated and 467 had at least two doses of Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.
9. The study reveals that 65 unvaccinated patients needed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), compared to 51 vaccinated patients.
10. Unvaccinated patients had a 2.56 times higher chance of needing CRRT post-hospital release.
11. The in-hospital death rate was 5.54 times riskier for unvaccinated patients compared to vaccinated ones.
12. Unvaccinated patients had a 4.78 times higher risk of death during the long-term follow-up compared to vaccinated patients.
13. The study has limitations, as important baseline data for creatinine levels was missing, potentially impacting the AKI comparison.
14. The researchers didn’t have data on COVID-19 severity, though all patients were ill enough to require hospitalization.
15. Lastly, the effects of booster shots were not considered in the study.
16. Nobakht emphasizes the study's importance in understanding how Covid-19 affects the kidneys and managing kidney complications to enhance patient outcomes.
17. Science and medicine continue to be at the forefront of combating the health challenges posed by Covid-19.
18. Vaccination plays a critical role in workplace-wellness, helping individuals cope with chronic diseases, cancers, respiratory conditions, and other medical conditions.
19. Avoiding infections like Covid-19 can support digestive health, eye health, hearing, skin conditions, and other aspects of health and wellness.
20. Partaking in fitness and exercise, sexual health, and mental health check-ups can further contribute to overall wellness.
21. Autoimmune disorders, environmental science, climate change, and neurological disorders are just some of the hot topics in the healthcare industry today.
22. Manufacturing, energy, finance, real-estate, retail, and transportation industries also play a role in addressing health issues by creating products, services, and infrastructure that promote wellness.
23. An emphasis on mental health, mens' health, and women's health initiatives can help reduce the stigma associated with these topics and encourage prevention, treatment, and early detection.
24. Skin care routines, therapies and treatments, nutrition, and weight management play crucial roles in maintaining youthful aging and good health.
25. The study underscores the importance of staying informed about vaccination, Covid-19 updates, and various medical conditions to make informed decisions about one's health and wellness.
26. Considering the ongoing pandemic, caring for mental health, practicing self-care, and finding balance between work, personal life, and health are essential for overall wellness and productivity.
27. This study serves as a reminder that we must prioritize our own health and health-and-wellness, as well as the health of our communities, to effectively navigate the challenges posed by pandemics, climate change, and other crises.

Read also: