The incidence of acute kidney injury and its association with mortality in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 followed up in intensive care unit

Introduction The kidneys are some of the most frequently affected organs during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This multicenter study evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients followed up in intensive care unit (ICU) and its association with mortality. Methods Three hundred twenty-eight patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in ICU were included. Risk factors associated with AKI and mortality were evaluated. Results Eighty-eight patients (27.9%) were diagnosed with AKI. AKI was significantly associated with older age, higher baseline creatinine level, lower albumin level, and coexistence of cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mortality in the entire study group was significantly associated with AKI, older age, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation, higher neutrophil level, lower lymphocyte, and albumin levels. Conclusion AKI is frequently seen during the course of COVID-19 and is associated with high mortality. Identifying AKI-related risk factors appears essential in the management of COVID-19 patients.