Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Cardiac Function and Survival in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Maintenance hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality following COVID-19 infection due to compromised immune function. This study aims to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac) on cardiac function and survival in this population. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CoronaVac on echocardiographic parameters, BNP levels, and survival rates in maintenance hemodialysis patients. By comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, we sought to assess whether vaccination provides a protective effect on cardiac function and contributes to improved clinical outcomes in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 531 maintenance hemodialysis patients, comprising 452 unvaccinated and 79 vaccinated with CoronaVac. We compared changes in echocardiographic parameters and BNP levels before and after COVID-19 infection between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups and assessed their association with survival rates. Results: Vaccinated patients were younger (60.54 ± 13.51 vs. 65.21 ± 13.76 years, p=0.006), had shorter dialysis durations (56.04 ± 51.88 vs. 73.73 ± 64.79 months, p=0.022). The mortality rate was also significantly lower in the vaccinated group (6.33% vs. 14.38%, p=0.049). In the unvaccinated group, BNP levels and multiple echocardiographic parameters (IVSD, LVPWD, AO, LA, EF, FS) significantly deteriorated post-infection, whereas no significant changes were observed in the vaccinated group. Multivariate analysis identified age, CAD, Hs-CRP, and LVIDs abnormalities as independent predictors of mortality, indicating that the independent protective effect of vaccination requires further validation. Conclusions: CoronaVac is associated with lower mortality and stable cardiac function in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The vaccine may reduce infection severity, lower cardiac load, and improve prognosis.