SARS-CoV-2-Related Kidney Injury: Current Concern and Challenges

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only causes pulmonary inflammation but also causes multiple organ damages, including the kidney. ACE2, as one of the receptors for SARS-CoV-2 intrusion, is widely distributed in kidney tissues. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are still unclear. Here, we review the recent findings of characteristics of COVID-19 in CKD patients and highlight the possible mechanisms of kidney injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We then discuss the emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing kidney damage and protecting kidney function including virus removal, immunotherapy, supporting treatment, special blood purification therapy, etc. Problems unresolved and challenges ahead are also discussed.