Vaccination Against COVID-19 in a Network of Hemodialysis Units in Portugal: A Promising Experience

Authors

  • João Fazendeiro Matos NephroCare Portugal. Fresenius Medical Care Portugal. Porto. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0095-6080
  • Ricardo Peralta NephroCare Portugal. Fresenius Medical Care Portugal. Porto. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6962-1073
  • Carla Felix NephroCare Portugal. Fresenius Medical Care Portugal. Porto.
  • Bruno Pinto NephroCare Portugal. Fresenius Medical Care Portugal. Porto.
  • Pedro Ponce NephroCare Portugal. Fresenius Medical Care Portugal. Porto.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.16250

Keywords:

COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines, Hemodialysis, Portugal, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seriously affected Portugal, particularly in the elderly population with a high number of comorbidities, including patients with chronic kidney disease in stage 5 (CKD-5D) undergoing a regular dialysis program. The aims of this study were to identify the impact of vaccination on the incidence of new daily cases and mortality in the CKD-5D population.
Material and Methods: Prospective, observational study, involving patients with CKD-5D from 38 NephroCare clinics, Portugal. Daily SARS-CoV-2 infections and mortality among these patients was compared with the incidence in the general population. Three periods were analysed: before vaccination, during the vaccination process, and a third period after complete vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech’ Comirnaty® vaccine. The primary outcome was infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the secondary outcome was death associated with the infection.
Results: A total of 4617 patients (average of 69.37 years of age) were analysed. During the first period, there was a significantly higher COVID-19 incidence of 14.9% in patients with CKD-5D compared with the general population (7.9%; p < 0.001). During the fifteen days after the complete vaccination, results reverted to a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases was observed (p < 0.001). The mortality rate among CKD-5D was significantly higher than in the general population (p < 0.001).
Discussion: A high incidence rate of infection was observed in CKD-5D patients, probably due to several factors such as advanced age, number of comorbidities, inability to remain in confinement, among others. After vaccination there was a significant reduction of new cases.
Conclusion: Vaccination significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CKD-5D.

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Published

2022-05-02

How to Cite

1.
Fazendeiro Matos J, Peralta R, Felix C, Pinto B, Ponce P. Vaccination Against COVID-19 in a Network of Hemodialysis Units in Portugal: A Promising Experience. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2022 May 2 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];35(5):336-42. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/16250

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Original