Home Dialysis During Covid-19 Outbreak– It Is Worth to Consider

Abstract

The epidemic with the new SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a serious threat to patients treated with renal replacement therapy. Besides clinical risk factors (such as numerous comorbidities, immune disorders), dialysis patients are additionally exposed to the virus through regular stays for several hours in a dialysis center and ambulance journeys. In such an epidemiological situation, it seems that peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis are good alternatives for treatment. Currently available telemedicine and medical technologies allow for effective renal replacement therapy also outside dialysis centers. Thanks to this, it is possible to limit the stay of patients in a medical facility to clinically justified situations. For this reason, increasing the number of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis, which is carried out at home and without contact with medical personnel, seems to be a good solution. Enabling patients to undergo home hemodialysis treatment, nowadays unavailable in Poland and establishing it as a guaranteed benefit in the health care system will enable renal replacement therapy to be adapted to the clinical condition and the need for isolation.

Long-term efficacy, safety, and medication compliance of roxadustat on peritoneal dialysis patients with renal anemia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study

“…Compared with hemodialysis (10), PD can be conducted at home, which is of benefit to patients who need to be quarantined during the pandemic. Some studies had recommended peritoneal dialysis as the preferred choice for renal replacement therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic (2,11,12). However, patients with renal anemia treated with rhEPO still require frequent visits to medical institutions for injections, which reduces the advantages of PD A B conducted in the home.…”

Home hemodialysis technique survival: insights and challenges

“…During the era of a pandemic, patients undergoing renal replacement therapy are particularly vulnerable; they are at increased risk of exposure and complications from SARS-CoV-2 due to frequent hospital visits in addition to underlying comorbidities and an immunocompromised state [ 53 – 56 ]. In addition, the need for isolation and fear of infection may create a psychological burden for these patients.…”