Prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak in a hemodialysis center

Background: The prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis (HD) units is challenging. Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on HD with COVID-19, between March 2020 and January 28, 2021, attending a single HD unit in Bogotá, Colombia. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational study, incidence, prevalence, and case-fatality rate were estimated, including screening results with RT-PCR and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in all patients and health personnel in the HD unit. Results: Among patients and health workers, 55 and 9 cases of COVID-19 were identified, respectively. The median age of patients was 63 years (84% males). Fifty five percent of patients were symptomatic, with fever, cough and/or myalgia. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. The cumulative incidence of infection was 30.2%, population seroprevalence was 24.9%, and fatality was 9.1%. Conclusions: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this HD unit was high. Strict biosafety protocols are required to prevent outbreaks.