# Clinical Manifestations and Mortality Predictors of COVID-19 in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Romania

## TL;DR

This study examines how patients on chronic hemodialysis in Romania experience severe outcomes from COVID-19 and identifies factors linked to higher mortality.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific clinical and comorbidity predictors of mortality in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19.

## Key findings

- Mortality was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, dyspnea at presentation, and hospital-origin admission.
- Older patients with multiple comorbidities had a 34.6% mortality rate from COVID-19.
- Diabetes and hypertension, though common, did not independently predict mortality after adjustment.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including 130 chronic hemodialysis patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to a nephrology unit between March 2020 and April 2021. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, hospitalization duration, and outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Results: The cohort was predominantly male (64.6%), with a mean age of 64.0 ± 13.9 years. The mean hospitalization duration was 13.6 ± 9.7 days. Cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, dyspnea at presentation, and hospital-origin admission were significantly associated with mortality. While diabetes mellitus and hypertension were highly prevalent, they did not independently predict mortality after adjustment. Overall mortality was 34.6%, particularly among older patients with multiple comorbidities. Conclusions: COVID-19 infection is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among patients on chronic hemodialysis. Early identification of high-risk patients based on clinical presentation and comorbidity profile may support timely intervention and improved outcomes in this vulnerable population.