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COVID-19 and conjunctivitis: a meta-analysis
1School of Health and Social Care, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Kiviharjuntie 8, 90220 Oulu Teuvo, Pakkalan Katu 19, 90100 Oulu, 90220, Finland.
Therapeutic Advances in Ophthalmology
|June 30, 2021
Summary
Conjunctivitis is a common ocular symptom in COVID-19 patients. This meta-analysis found a low odds ratio for conjunctivitis in COVID-19 cases, synthesizing current evidence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to millions of cases and deaths globally.
- Ocular manifestations, including conjunctivitis, have been observed in both adult and pediatric COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis estimating the odds ratio (ORs) of conjunctivitis in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
- To synthesize current evidence on the association between COVID-19 and conjunctivitis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.
- Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
- Data from 20 studies, including 3383 participants, were analyzed to determine the ORs of conjunctivitis.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 20 studies with 3383 participants.
- The overall odds ratio for conjunctivitis in COVID-19 patients was 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.02).
- No significant bias was reported in the included studies.
Conclusions:
- Conjunctivitis is a frequent ocular finding in adult COVID-19 patients.
- This meta-analysis quantifies the link between COVID-19 and conjunctivitis, noting significant heterogeneity in current research.
- The study provides a consolidated review of available literature on COVID-19 and conjunctivitis in all age groups.
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