Gender and Race and Risk of COVID-19-related AKI

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a strong transmission capacity and can lead to severe and potentially fatal respiratory diseases. COVID-19 can also affect the heart, the kidneys, and the digestive tract. Clinical data reveal that kidney injury is a common complication of COVID-19, and severely ill patients often develop acute kidney injury (AKI).

Data from the United States and from China suggest associations between increased risk of COVID-19-related AKI and male sex, Black race, older age, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and higher body mass index.

Researchers in China, led by Weihang He, conducted a literature search and review of COVID-19-related AKI. The review revealed sex and ethnic differences in the occurrence and development of AKI in patients with COVID-19 [Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.778636].

The researchers noted, “By summarizing the mechanism of gender and ethnic differences in AKI among patients with COVID-19, we found that male and Black race have more progress to COVID-19-induced AKI than their counterparts.”