Long COVID is an unfortunate reality many individuals face after having severe COVID-19. The disease has many different symptoms, and more and more research is showing kidney dysfunction may be one of them. Learn what one study found on kidney dysfunction in COVID-19 patients, why it may be occurring, and if experts think it is permanent.* 

What Did Researchers Find?

Using data from 1.7 million U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) patients who had COVID-19, researchers discovered: 

• Survivors were at an increased risk for various types of kidney damage, from reduced kidney function to advanced kidney failure.
• Individuals with severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care had the highest risk of long-term kidney damage.
• Patients who develop an acute kidney injury (AKI) while having COVID-19 had a higher risk of CKD than those with no kidney problems. 
• Patients with no kidney problems while having COVID-19 were two to five times more likely to develop some degree of kidney dysfunction after their illness than individuals that never had it. 

Why Are the Kidneys Being Affected?

Researchers believe the big question is, “Why is this happening?” Are kidney problems related to COVID-19 specifically, or are they linked to being sick in the hospital? For example, would patients admitted into the hospital with influenza also suffer kidney dysfunction? 

Some experts believe it may be related to inflammation caused by COVID-19, but there is still more research needed. 

Is the Kidney Damage Permanent?

For individuals who develop an acute kidney injury (AKI) during COVID-19, researchers found their kidneys usually rebounded and improved. For others, especially with severe COVID-19, they developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and had permanent kidney dysfunction. 

There are still some unanswered questions regarding permanent kidney dysfunction and COVID-19, so more research is needed. Scientists believe long-term analysis of glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) on these affected patients will help to see if levels continue to decline or improve.

*Norton, A. (2021, September 2). Kidney Damage Another Consequence of “Long COVID.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210902/kidney-damage-another-consequence-of-long-covid-study-finds#3