Dialysis patients more prone to virus
Home dialysis can be opted for new patients, says doc
DOCTORS STATE that they have very strict guidelines but following them at the ground level is not that easy.
THERE ARE more than 1,500 patients in Hyderabad, who undergo dialysis every day in different hospitals.
Dialysis patients are at a high risk as the spread of Coronavirus is becoming a major concern while protecting them as they are exposed in hospitals.
While a separate register is not maintained, sources say that dialysis patients infected with Covid-19 are in a good number in the State. For this reason, the state government is contemplating a separate unit to treat them.
The profile of a dialysis patient is mainly a senior citizen, immune compromised with heart disease, diabetes and other co-morbid conditions. The risk of infection in hospitals has increased almost 10 times.
Dr Bhanu Prasad, senior nephrologist at Apollo Hospitals explained, “These patients are in the highrisk group as their kidneys have already failed. They have less hemoglobin and loss of proteins leads to malnutrition status. For this reason, we are counseling all our patients about their mode of transport, need for social distancing and wearing of masks. If these are not being followed, infection rates can be significantly higher.”
While private hospitals claim that they are strict with regard to following norms, there are centres where people are coming together in pooled transport, do not maintain social distancing and there is an improper wearing of masks. These are risk factors and aggravate the chances of contracting the virus making these centers the next hot spots in hospitals.
Doctors state that they have very strict guidelines but following them at the ground level is not that easy. This is because education levels of some patients are limited and they are not ready to accept that hospitals can also spread infections. There are more than 1,500 patients in Hyderabad, who undergo dialysis every day in different hospitals.
A senior doctor, on condition of anonymity, explained, “These patients form the most vulnerable group and despite the precautions, there is a lot of concern for them. In China, the death rate of dialysis patients is as high as 15 per cent.”
The concept of peritoneal dialysis or home dialysis has not picked up. Dr K.S. Nayak, senior nephrologist at Virinchi Hospitals, explained, “Home dialysis is safe and it can be opted for new patients. Tele-medicine consultation has seen a new meaning during lockdown and it is time people are given the option. It is important to mitigate risks and save life. It requires a unified effort from all fronts as it is our right to protect vulnerable sections during times of infectious disease.”