• Matthew R Lynch and Jie Tang.
• Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
• R I Med J (2013). 2020 Sep 4; 103 (8): 24-28.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported as a complication of COVID-19. However, the epidemiology, management, and associated outcomes have varied greatly between studies. The pathophysiology remains unclear.  Summary: The etiology of AKI in the setting of COVID-19 appears multifactorial. Systemic effects of sepsis, inflammation, and vascular injury likely play some role. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, highly expressed in the kidney, providing a route for direct infection. Older age, baseline comorbidities, and respiratory failure are strong risk factors for the development of AKI. Regardless of etiology, AKI carries a significantly increased risk for in-hospital mortality, especially in those with critical illness. Currently, management of AKI in patients with COVID-19 remains supportive. Key Messages: AKI is common in patients with COVID-19. Future studies are needed to examine the response to anti-viral treatment as well as long-term renal outcomes in patients with AKI.

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