Study of suspicious cases of Covid-19 in patients in an outpatient dialysis program

Abstract

Objective: To analyze suspected cases of Covid-19 in patients in an outpatient dialysis treatment program in the nephrology sector of a hospital in the metropolitan region of the state of Pará. Methods: 36 patients considered suspected of infection by Covid-19 were evaluated through data extracted from the table prepared for internal control of cases. Results: In almost 60% of patients, the RT-PCR result for Covid-19 was positive. Twenty patients were female, with a predominant age group above 70 years. Dyspnea and coryza were the most frequent signs and symptoms found in positive patients and, among these, 70% had CT scans of the chest. Most patients required hospitalization for treatment and progressed with clinical improvement followed by discharge. Conclusion: The prevalence of Covid was high in the studied group, with advanced age being a possible risk factor. Despite being a systemic disease, respiratory involvement is one of the main characteristics observed with the presence of dyspnea and coryza, in addition to tomographic changes. The group's need for in-hospital treatment reinforces its susceptibility to more severe conditions.