Long-Term Kidney Outcomes in COVID-19 Survivors With and Without Acute Kidney Injury

Background

and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of COVID-19 and is associated with increased short-term mortality. However, long-term kidney outcomes among survivors remain incompletely characterized. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cohort study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care university hospital, classifying them during admission according to the KDIGO AKI criteria. Survivors underwent follow-up assessment approximately 1.5–2 years post-discharge, which included laboratory evaluations and a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire collected patient-reported outcomes regarding post-discharge health worsening and any new medical diagnoses during the follow-up period. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or kidney function decline (defined as an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and a ≥25% decrease from discharge). Associated factors were identified using modified Poisson regression models.