According to this article the kidney can be affected during a COVID-19 infection in multiple ways. This is a review study.

The literature states that 25% of patients with a severe case of COVID-19 can have acute kidney injury. This numbers climbs to 68% of patients requiring ICU. Once someone has renal failure, the mortality can be as high as 91%.

SARS-CoV-2 can affect the kidneys directly and indirectly.

Directly, kidney cells, specially the proximal tubular cells, the podocytes and the vascular endothelium have membrane bound ACE2 receptors. The spike protein (S) of the virus uses the ACE2 receptor to gain entrance into a cell so that it can reproduce and ultimately destroy the cell. SARS-CoV-2 can bind to ACE2, circulating angiotensin-II levels can increase, causing vasoconstriction, glomerular dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis

Indirectly, the kidneys can be affected by the following mechanisms:

• Shock caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response (cytokine storm) with hypotension and decreased renal perfusion.

• Activation of the coagulation pathways causing thrombosis and endothelial damage.

• Tissue hypoxia caused by pulmonary damage.

Any information or statement present in this post does not replace your health care provider’s advice or treatment. This blog does not provide medical advice, prescribe medications or therapies, or diagnose conditions, it only expresses an opinion. If you have a health-related question or condition, confer with your healthcare provider.