COVID-19 and chronic kidney disease: A Case Report on Diagnosis, Management, and Recovery in an Elderly Patient

The case report concerns the management of a 71-year-old Indian woman with chronic kidney disease (CKD), cellulitis, and COVID-19. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are especially important since older adult patients with CKD are highly susceptible to severe COVID-19 because of their diminished self-immune defense and many comorbidities. The patient presented with fever, increased lower limb edema, and dyspnea. Laboratory, RT‒PCR, and chest computed tomography confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 and cellulitis. A multidisciplinary treatment plan was initiated, which included corticosteroids, antibiotics, anticoagulants, analgesics, diuretics, and supportive care. Day 1: The patient was hospitalized, and therapy was initiated. She also showed progressive improvement in fever, signs of respiratory illness, and inflammation of the legs on Days 2–5. On Day 6, a repeat CT of the chest revealed a trend toward recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia, with a severity score of 7/25. On Day 7, she was released in a stable state and on medications with a follow-up appointment. At discharge, she demonstrated great improvement in symptoms and the absence of acute complications. The patient was appreciative and relieved that the coordinated, timely services were provided to her, and the excellent communication between the healthcare team was reassuring to her during her time in the hospital. The case shows great awareness of and adherence to evidence-based management of COVID-19 in geriatric patients with CKD and other comorbidities. Early diagnosis, interdisciplinary care, and follow-up could be helpful in reducing complications and improving the clinical outcome of this high-risk population. • COVID-19 poses a heightened risk in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to impaired immune response and susceptibility to severe complications. • Elderly patients with CKD may present with atypical or nonspecific symptoms, emphasizing the need for high clinical suspicion. • Chest CT imaging can support early diagnosis and severity assessment, as demonstrated by a CT severity score of 7/25 in this patient. • Timely, multidisciplinary management—including corticosteroids, anticoagulation, renal-safe antibiotics, and supportive care—can lead to favorable outcomes.