COVID-19 and kidney disease: Progress in health inequity from low income settings

COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on the incidence and prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally and in low-income settings. CKD increases the risk of developing COVID-19 and COVID-19 causes AKI directly or indirectly and its associated with high mortality in severe cases. Outcomes of COVID-19 associated kidney disease were not equitable globally due to lack of health infrastructure, challenges in diagnostic testing and management of COVID-19 in low-income settings. COVID-19 also significantly impacted kidney transplant rates and mortality among kidney transplant recipients. Vaccine availability and uptake remains a significant challenge in low- and lower-middle income countries (LLMICs) as compared to high income countries.

In this review, we explore the inequities in LLMICs and attempt to highlight the progress made in the prevention, diagnosis and management of patients with COVID-19 and kidney disease. We recommend further studies into the challenges, lessons learnt and progress made in the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with COVID-19 related kidney diseases and suggest ways to improve the care and management of patients with COVID-19 and kidney disease.