Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading continuously worldwide. Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are a particular group at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate the various risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of co-infection with COVID-19 among patients with MHD. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 171 patients with MHD. The characteristics and outcomes were examined among patients with MHD who were infected with COVID-19 and those who were not. Moreover, risk factors associated with survival or mortality among the COVID-19-infected patients with MHD were analyzed. The results of the present study revealed that the mean level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in patients with MHD was 22.3±11.28 ng/ml. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of 25(OH)D between patients with MHD with and without COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and increased levels of serum ferritin were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 in these patients. Additionally, the levels of 25(OH)D and albumin were decreased in the deceased patients. Similarly, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for mortality in patients with MHD with COVID-19, which revealed that decreased levels of 25(OH)D were associated with an increased risk of mortality in these patients. The results of the present study indicated that iPTH and serum ferritin levels could potentially increase the risk of COVID-19 among patients with MHD. Additionally, 25(OH)D levels may influence the mortality rate among patients with MHD who have been infected with COVID-19.