Dengue in Kidney Replacement Therapy: Comparison Between Chronic Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Patients.

INTRODUCTION

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease in Brazil, and patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT), such as chronic dialysis (CKD-5D) or kidney transplant recipients (KTx), may present more severe clinical manifestations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare clinical and laboratory aspects, as well as outcomes of dengue infection, between patients on CKD-5D and KTR.

METHODS

A prospective, analytical, single-center study involving patients diagnosed with dengue (positive NS1 and/or IgM) between November 2024 and April 2025.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included (33 CKD-5D and 25 KTx). The median age was higher in CKD-5D patients (67 vs 59 years; p = .0066). The incidence of dengue was 2 times higher in CKD-5D patients (6% vs 2,9%). Hospitalization was more frequent in KTR (92% vs 36.3%; p < .0001), and 56% of them developed acute kidney injury. Lower platelet counts (p = .0164) and being a KTx were independent predictors of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Despite the higher incidence, advanced age, and presence of comorbidities, patients on CKD-5D presented a lower risk of hospitalization than KTx.