Retrospective Study Links COVID in Kids With Post-Acute Kidney Outcomes

Key Takeaways Pediatric COVID-19 infection was tied to a higher risk of adverse postacute kidney outcomes, especially among those with preexisting chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury. Retrospective data suggested COVID infection was associated with higher risk of new-onset chronic kidney disease up to 2 years later. The findings underscore importance of long-term monitoring for some children and adolescents, the researchers said.

COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents was tied to a higher risk of adverse post-acute kidney outcomes, especially among those with preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI), retrospective data suggested. Among nearly 2 million individuals younger than 21 years of age, COVID infection was associated with a higher risk of new-onset stage 2 (mild) or higher CKD; (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.



12-1.22) and stage 3 (moderate) or higher CKD (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.

13-1.62) 28 days to 2 years after the acute phase of infection, reported Yong Chen, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and colleagues. SARS-CoV-2 infection also was associated with an increased risk of composite kidney events for kids and adolescents with preexisting CKD (HR 1.

15, 95% CI 1.04-1.27) 28 to 179 days after the acute phase of infection and for those with AKI (HR 1.

29, 95% CI 1.21-1.38) 90 to 179 days after the acute phase, they said in JAMA Network Open.

The study "represents, to our knowledge, one of the most comprehensive investigations into the long-term kidney outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric populations," Chen and colleagues wrote. "Results of this study suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of adverse kidney outcomes, including new-onset CKD and worsening kidney function, particularly among children with preexisting CKD or acute-phase AKI, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring for..

. Jennifer Henderson.