Clinical Outcome of COVID-19 Patients Presenting With Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Background Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) usually have fever and respiratory tract complaints; however, many report gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The frequency of GI symptoms ranges from 16% to 61%. Although COVID-19 morbidity and mortality are related to pulmonary disease, poor outcomes have been linked to GI symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the outcomes of COVID-19 patients who presented with GI symptoms. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Isra University Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan, from April 2020 to October 2020. Results In total, 395 polymerase chain reaction-positive individuals were included. No differences in age or comorbidities were found. Of the 84 patients who needed intensive care unit admission, 17 had GI symptoms (P= 0.357). Moreover, GI symptoms were reported in 9/42 patients who required mechanical ventilation (P = 0.674) and 35/184 patients who required non-invasive ventilation (P = 0.029). GI symptoms were reported in 47/206 patients discharged on room air (without supplemental oxygen) (P= 0.549), 11/77 who died (P = 0.025), 2/11 who were referred elsewhere due to financial issues (P = 0.999), 7/32 who left against medical advice (P = 0.764), and 28/69 who were discharged requiring oxygen at home (P = 0.001).  Conclusions Patients with GI symptoms had reduced odds of mortality, and increased odds of discharge requiring supplemental oxygen.