COVID‒19 breakthrough infection in hemodialysis patients during Omicron variant epidemic： A single hemodialysis center experience

Abstract

The severity of and mortality rate associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‒19) in hemodialysis patients have been reported to be significantly higher compared with those in the general population. However, few reports have addressed the status of COVID‒19 in hemodialysis patients following the spread of the Omicron variant and widespread use of COVID‒19 vaccines. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of breakthrough infections (BTI) after COVID‒19 vaccination at our dialysis center to clarify the current situation. Between January 2022 and October 2023, 52 cases of BTI were observed, with 7 of these involving patients experiencing reinfection. There were 2 direct and 2 delayed deaths. Anti‒SARS‒CoV‒2 spike protein IgG antibodies were measured within 5 days of symptom onset, showing relatively high levels. The occurrence of BTI, despite a high level of anti‒SARS‒CoV‒2 spike protein IgG, was attributed to the extended interval since the last vaccination and lack of vaccination against the prevalent COVID‒19 variant at that time.