Dengue in Kidney Replacement Therapy: Comparison Between Chronic Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Patients

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease in Brazil, and patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT), such as chronic dialysis (CKD-5D) or kidney transplant recipients (KTx), may present more severe clinical manifestations. This study aimed to compare clinical and laboratory aspects, as well as outcomes of dengue infection, between patients on CKD-5D and KTR. A prospective, analytical, single-center study involving patients diagnosed with dengue (positive NS1 and/or IgM) between November 2024 and April 2025. Fifty-eight patients were included (33 CKD-5D and 25 KTx). The median age was higher in CKD-5D patients (67 vs 59 years; p = .0066). The incidence of dengue was 2 times higher in CKD-5D patients (6% vs 2,9%). Hospitalization was more frequent in KTR (92% vs 36.3%; p < .0001), and 56% of them developed acute kidney injury. Lower platelet counts ( p = .0164) and being a KTx were independent predictors of hospitalization. Despite the higher incidence, advanced age, and presence of comorbidities, patients on CKD-5D presented a lower risk of hospitalization than KTx.