Renal Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Literature Review

Background

Renal complications have previously been reported with various vaccinations, including those for influenza and hepatitis. On a similar note, a spectrum of nephrological complications, both de novo, and flare-ups, were reported after immunization with various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, causing concerns among patients as well as physicians.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of the literature published on renal complications seen post-COVID-19 vaccination was performed up to April 2022 using electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.

Result

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, minimal change disease, glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, nephrotic syndrome, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis were some of the renal complications reported upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The causality and underlying pathogenic mechanisms linking these complications and COVID-19 vaccination remain unclear. Nonetheless, a temporal relationship has been established with dysregulated T-cell response, transient systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine response, molecular mimicry, delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine, and other mechanisms such as hyperresponsive IgA, dysregulation of neutrophil extracellular traps were hypothesized as the possible mechanisms linking renal complications and COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusion

This review emphasizes the need for rigorous surveillance and reporting of the adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination and explores the underlying mechanisms instigating these renal complications in individuals vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Radiosurgery in periodontics: Have we forgotten it?

Radiosurgery (RS) has evolved from electrosurgery and uses ultra-high-frequency radio waves at a frequency ranging from 3 to 4 MHz. It is used to address numerous soft-tissue concerns in dentistry and as well as medicine with excellent and predictable results. A review of the indexed literature disclosed that RS has been employed for various periodontal procedures such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, minimally invasive closed osteotomy, frenectomies, operculectomies, depigmentation, gingival curettage, periodontal flap procedures, mucogingival surgeries, harvesting soft-tissue grafts, and also in implantology. Reduced lateral heat production with minimal tissue damage, faster healing, availability of specialized electrodes, increased perception, and cost-effectiveness are some of the notable advantages of RS. The evidence available implies that RS when used appropriately might be a better and economical alternative to a scalpel, electrosurgery, and laser. Inadequate knowledge on the use of this treatment modality due to short of research conducted in this area could be the reason behind it becoming obsolete. This review is an attempt to reminiscence the uses of this versatile tool in periodontal therapy and reinstate its use in present-day clinical practice.