COVID-19 & CKD Risk: New Study Findings
COVID-19 presents a considerably greater long-term risk of kidney dysfunction than the flu, a new study confirms. Researchers discovered that the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) more than doubled after a COVID-19 infection. Focusing on over 280,000 patients, the study, published in Scientific reports, highlights alarming trends, especially for those over 45.This age group faces the highest risks of kidney-related issues post-COVID-19, including developing advanced CKD and reduced kidney function. The research suggests that even without acute kidney injury, the damage from COVID-19 can be profound. Key factors like diabetes and hypertension heighten the risk. Stay informed about the latest health findings with News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in kidney health research and insights.
COVID-19 Increases Long-Term Risk of Kidney Dysfunction
Updated May 25, 2025
A new study reveals that COVID-19 poses a substantially higher long-term risk of kidney dysfunction compared to influenza, even in the absence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during the initial infection. The research, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reduced kidney function following COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed data from over 280,000 patients, with an equal split between COVID-19 and influenza patients, matched for age, sex, race, and other factors. The study focused on long-term effects by excluding patients with AKI in the first month after infection.
The study found that COVID-19 patients had a twofold increased risk of developing advanced CKD within 12 months compared to flu patients. COVID-19 was also three times more likely to be associated with the development of AKI or reduced kidney function.
The increased risks of renal dysfunction after COVID-19 were seen in both men and women, but were especially high among those older than 45. This age group experienced a more than twofold increase in advanced CKD and a tripled risk of reduced kidney function.
Even younger patients, aged 18-45, showed higher risks of AKI and reduced kidney function, though the difference in advanced CKD between COVID-19 and influenza was not statistically significant in this group. Men also showed greater vulnerability than women to AKI and kidney function decline.
further analysis showed that the increased kidney risks were not limited to patients with severe illness or AKI. Even after removing patients who developed AKI within a year of infection, the risk of advanced CKD remained significantly higher among those with COVID-19.
Key risk factors for advanced CKD included diabetes, hypertension, older age, and male sex.
“Our findings of increased CKD risk in COVID-19 patients without initial AKI suggest mechanisms distinct from acute damage pathways,” the researchers wrote.
What’s next
The researchers suggest that monitoring high-risk groups, such as those with diabetes or hypertension, is crucial for allocating care. further research is needed to understand the underlying causes and guide targeted interventions for COVID-19 and kidney health.