Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Vulnerabilities, Interventions, and Vaccination Strategies in Kidney Replacement Therapy Populations.

BACKGROUND

Although the World Health Organization no longer classifies coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global health emergency, its long-term sequelae continue to affect survivors physically, psychologically, and socially.

SUMMARY: This review focuses on a vulnerable population - patients receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) - and summarizes their COVID-19-associated epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, clinical outcomes, interventions, and vaccination challenges.

KEY MESSAGES: KRT patients faced markedly higher severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection risks, atypical clinical presentations, and high mortality rates. Specialized management strategies for patients on KRT were recommended. COVID-19 vaccination formed the cornerstone of controlling COVID-19 but also raised concerns over its long-term safety and immunogenicity profiles.