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An Overlooked, Possibly Fatal Coronavirus Crisis: A Dire Need for Kidney Dialysis
The New York Times reported that the surge in COVID-19 patients with kidney failure is leading to shortages of machines, supplies and staff required for emergency dialysis. It’s not yet known whether the kidneys are a major target of the virus or whether it is a secondary effect of critical illness or the increased tendency for blood clots to form. Kidney specialists now estimate that 20 to 40 per cent of ICU patients with coronavirus in the US suffered kidney failure and needed emergency dialysis. On Friday, Fresenius Medical Care, the manufacturer of dialysis machines, announced it was creating a national supply of machines that can be moved from place to place.