“Evaluation of The Impact of Favipiravir Therapy on Laboratory Parameters in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed with COVID-19” : A Retrospective Sin- gle Centre Study
Medical records-international medical journal (Online), vol.1, no.1, pp.1-7, 2026 (TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 1 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.37990/medr.1729686
- Journal Name: Medical records-international medical journal (Online)
- Journal Indexes: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.1-7
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: Favipiravir, initially developed for influenza, is a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, safety data for favipiravir in patients with chronic renal failure is limited. This study examined its effects on laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients both with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), addressing the challenges posed by renal health impairment.
Material and Methods: This retrospective study examined 339 eligible PCR-positive COVID-19 inpatients, selected from an initial 559 participants, at a Turkish tertiary care hospital. The patients were grouped based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Clinical, demographic, and laboratory characteristics were compared using parametric and nonparametric tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups for favipiravir-associated acute kidney injury, uric acid ele-vation, neutropenia, or aspartate aminotransferase elevation (p=0.137, p=0.653, p=0.326, p=0.135). Alanine aminotransferase el-evation was moderately significant in the control group (p=0.001). Comorbidities, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and malignancy, were significantly higher in the chronic kidney disease group (p<0.001), but mortality rates did not differ significantly (p=0.519).
Conclusion: Favipiravir treatment did not significantly affect renal parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, mild increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were noted, which may be linked to disease severity and other contributing factors. Favipiravir can be safely given to COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease as long as hepatic function is closely monitored through appropriate laboratory assessments.
Keywords: COVİD-19, favipiravir, chronic kidney disease, hepatotoxicity