Effects of Different Dialysis Strategies on Inflammation in COVID-19 Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Inflammatory Cytokine Profile in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients Affected by COVID-19: Effects of 2 Different Dialysis Strategies

In the course of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) uncontrolled inflammation has been related to disease severity and unfavorable outcomes.

Here, the investigators study the longitudinal changes of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in a population of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) affected by COVID-19, evaluating the potential modulating effects of two different dialysis approaches

For this prospective randomized study, the investigators recruit maintenance hemodialysis patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. After diagnosis, the patients are randomized to two different dialysis modalities, expanded HD (HDx), performed by use of a medium cut-off membrane, and standard treatment based on the use of a protein-leaking dialyzer (PLD).

The investigators collect clinical and laboratory data, including circulating pre and post-dialysis levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), soluble TLR4 (sTLR4), and interferon-gamma (IFN-g). Samples are collected at diagnosis (T0), and one and two weeks after the diagnosis (T7 and T14, respectively). Moreover, lymphocyte and immune cell profiles are evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
• Confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus2 infection

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute kidney injury