Epidemiological, clinical and morphological aspects of kidney damage in COVID-19

Abstract

The mini-review presents modern data on the epidemiology, clinical and morphological aspects of kidney damage in COVID-19. Potential mechanisms of kidney involvement in the clinical picture of the disease may include cytokine damage, cross-organ damage, and systemic effects that determine the treatment strategy. These mechanisms are closely interrelated and are especially important for individuals undergoing extracorporeal therapy and kidney transplants. Autopsy data provide evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus invasion into kidney tissue with damage to tubular epithelial cells and podocytes, and erythrocyte aggregation in persons with severe COVID-19. By including people with chronic kidney disease in planned COVID-19 research protocols, an evidence base for effective and safe treatments can be generated.