EMJ Nephrology 8 [Supplement 3] . 2020

Setting the scene, Bakris defined CKD as a reduction in kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), alongside the presence of albuminuria (≥30 mg/day) as an indication of kidney damage.

Metabolic acidosis is characterised by a primary decrease in the serum bicarbonate concentration, a secondary decrease in the arterial partial pressure of CO­2, and a reduction in blood pH. Metabolic acidosis, acute or chronic, may have deleterious effects on cellular function and cause increased morbidity and mortality.

Hypertension is a common complication in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurring in approximately 80–85% of patients. Blood pressure (BP) control is suboptimal in the majority of these patients. The link between uncontrolled hypertension and mortality among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is well documented.

Global immunisation against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the standard-of-care in preventing COVID-19 and, in the absence of a specific antiviral therapy, the only effective action against this pandemic.