Outcome of COVID-19 and tolerance of Remdesivir in patients with renal failure: a single center experience from Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is known to cause severe disease in chronic kidney disease and maintenance dialysis patients. We aim to report the outcome of COVID-19 and the adverse effects of Remdesivir (RDV) in patients with renal failure.

Methodology: A retrospective observational study included all admitted patients with COVID-19 who received Remdesivir. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared in patients with renal failure (RF) and non-renal failure (NRF). We also evaluated RDV-associated nephrotoxicity and observed renal functions during antiviral treatment.

Results: A total of 142 patients received RDV, 38 (26.76%) in RF and 104 (73.23%) in the non-RF group. The median absolute lymphocyte count was low while C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimer were significantly high on admission in the RF group. A significant number of patients in the RF group required ICU admission (58% vs. 35% p = 0.01) and expired (29% vs. 12.5 p = 0.02). Among survivors and non-survivors in the RF group, raised inflammatory markers and low platelet count on presentation were significantly associated with high mortality. Median serum creatinine (mg/dL) was 0.88 on admission, remained at 0.85 in the NRF group, and improved from 4.59 to 3.87 (mg/dL) after receiving five days of RDV in the RF group.

Conclusions: COVID-19 in renal failure has a high risk for ICU admissions leading to increased mortality. Multiple comorbidities and raised inflammatory markers are predictors of poor outcomes. We observed no significant drug-related adverse effects, and none of our patients required discontinuation of RDV due to worsening renal function.