COVID-19 in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: Severity and Incidence

A recent study published in Klinische Padiatrie sheds light on the severity and incidence of COVID-19 in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, conducted at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkiye, aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric CKD patients. The study involved 220 patients, of which 48 were found to have experienced COVID-19. The results showed that most patients had a mild course of the disease, with only one patient experiencing severe COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

• The study included 220 patients with CKD, of which 48 had experienced COVID-19.
• The majority of patients with COVID-19 had mild symptoms, with 89.6% experiencing mild infection.
• Severe COVID-19 was observed in only one patient.
• Acute kidney injury was detected in 4 (8.3%) patients, with all cases being stage 1.
• The median follow-up after COVID-19 was 4.6 months, and all patients fully recovered.
• No renal disease flare or death was observed in the patients with COVID-19.
• The vaccination rate was low, but vaccination along with general precautions seemed to be successful in preventing severe COVID-19.
• The study suggests that children with CKD may have a mild course of COVID-19, but more research is needed to understand the effects of COVID-19 on this population.

Statistics:

• 220 patients with CKD were included in the study.
• 48 patients had experienced COVID-19.
• 89.6% of patients with COVID-19 had mild symptoms.
• 4 (8.3%) patients experienced acute kidney injury, all of which were stage 1.
• The median follow-up after COVID-19 was 4.6 months.
• 43 (89.6%) patients with COVID-19 had mild infection.
• 11 (22.9%) patients with COVID-19 were previously vaccinated.

Sources:

• "Covid-19 In Children With Chronic Kidney Disease; Does It Differ Much?" Klinische Padiatrie, 2025;237(05):279-284.
• Vaccine Weekly, October 15, 2025; p 417.