Response to COVID-19 Vaccines in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol of Randomised Controlled Trials

Since SARS-CoV-2 detection, the infection had spread globally resulting in insidious outcomes. The pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 indicated that the virus does not only ignite respiratory distress, but can also adversely impact varying organs. Evidence shows patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis or who have received kidney transplant have been disproportionately impacted by SARS-CoV-2. This population group experience significant higher rates of infection, severe disease, hospitalization and mortality compared to the general population. However, long-term response and outcomes in relation to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people with chronic kidney disease requires further research. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol, aims to compare the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with chronic kidney disease. We will include randomized controlled trials that assess and evaluates the safety and efficacy as outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in chronic kidney disease patients. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched from January 2020 to December 2025 for eligible studies. Three reviewers will independently screen, identify and select research studies that meet eligibility criteria, assess methodological quality and extract information. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations summary of findings will be presented.