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Association of Obesity with Disease Severity Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Markos Kalligeros1, Fadi Shehadeh1, Evangelia K Mylona1
1Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University-Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Insights
Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) increased intensive care unit admission risk in COVID-19 patients. Obesity and heart disease were linked to invasive mechanical ventilation needs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses significant health risks.
- Obesity and chronic diseases are potential risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity and chronic conditions with severe COVID-19 outcomes.
- To determine the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with obesity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 103 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Analysis of demographic data, medical history, and hospital course.
- Multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- Obesity prevalence was 47.5% among hospitalized patients.
- Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) was associated with ICU admission (aOR: 5.39).
- Heart disease, obesity (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m²), and severe obesity were linked to IMV requirement.
Conclusions:
- Severe obesity is a significant risk factor for ICU admission in COVID-19.
- Obesity and heart disease independently predict the need for IMV.
- Heightened vigilance and proactive management are crucial for COVID-19 patients with obesity.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the potential association of obesity and other chronic diseases with severe outcomes, such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods:
This study analyzed a retrospective cohort of 103 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Demographic data, past medical history, and hospital course were collected and analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to examine associations.
Results:
From February 17 to April 5, 103 consecutive patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. Among them, 44 patients (42.7%) were admitted to the ICU, and 29 (65.9%) required IMV. The prevalence of obesity was 47.5% (49 of 103). In a multivariate analysis, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 ) was associated with ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.13-25.64). Moreover, patients who required IMV were more likely to have had heart disease (aOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.05-11.06), obesity (BMI = 30-34.9 kg/m2 ; aOR: 6.85, 95% CI: 1.05-44.82), or severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 ; aOR: 9.99, 95% CI: 1.39-71.69).
Conclusions:
In our analysis, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 ) was associated with ICU admission, whereas history of heart disease and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) were independently associated with the use of IMV. Increased vigilance and aggressive treatment of patients with obesity and COVID-19 are warranted.
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