PLoS ONE (Jan 2023)

From past to present: Exploring COVID-19 in Qatar's hemodialysis population across Omicron dominant and pre-Omicron periods.

  • Abdullah Hamad,
  • Musab Elgaali,
  • Tarek Ghonimi,
  • Mostafa Elshirbeny,
  • Mohamed Ali,
  • Rania Ibrahim,
  • Muftah Othman,
  • Essa Abuhelaiqa,
  • Hany Ezzat,
  • Karima Boubaker,
  • Mohamad Alkadi,
  • Hassan Al-Malki

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291266
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 9
p. e0291266

Abstract

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COVID-19 carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to compare the incidence and outcomes of the COVID-19 Omicron dominant period versus other pre-Omicron period in hemodialysis patients. In this observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study, we reviewed adult chronic hemodialysis patients between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Four hundred twenty-one patients had COVID-19 during the study period. The incidence of COVID-19 due to the Omicron dominant period was significantly higher than other pre-Omicron period (30.3% vs. 18.7%, P<0.001). In contrast, the admission rate to ICU was significantly lower in the Omicron dominant period than in the pre-Omicron period (2.8% vs. 25%, P<0001) but with no significant difference in ICU length of stay. The mortality rate was lower in the Omicron dominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period (2.4% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001). Using multivariate analysis, older age [OR 1.093 (95% CI 1.044-1.145); P<0.0001] and need for mechanical ventilation [OR 70.4 (95% CI 20.39-243.1); P<0.0001] were identified as two independent risk factors for death in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. In Conclusion, the COVID-19 Omicron variant had a higher incidence and lower morbidity and mortality than pre-Omicron period in our hemodialysis population.