Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
medium

Reported in 25% to 95% of confirmed cases that required hospitalisation.[8]​​[27][32]​​

Median time to invasive mechanical ventilation was 7 days in a cohort of 47 patients.​[8]

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used in some cases; however, efficacy has not been confirmed.[27][71]

Risk factors for severe disease include age ≥50 years, diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and obesity.[5][8]​​[9]​​[27]

Acute respiratory failure

short term
medium

New or worsening respiratory symptoms within 1 week of presentation. Chest x-ray shows bilateral opacities.[75]

High-flow oxygen (up to 50 mL/minute) is recommended in some patients, although mechanical ventilation and intubation is usually required.[75]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

short term
medium

Initially reported in a few case reports.[1]​​[29]​​[135] Has since been reported in 58% of critically ill patients in one study, and 26% of patients in one cohort.[71][136]

Possibly due to the presence of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) receptors in renal epithelial cells.[137]

Detection of the virus in urine samples has been previously documented.[134]

Acute kidney injury

short term
low

Occurs in a minority of patients late in the course of illness.

Underlying mechanism of action is unknown.

Usually presents with thrombocytopenia, prolonged coagulation profile, and circulatory collapse.[27][32]​​[71]

Patients may require vasopressor and inotrope support.

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