GASTROINTESTINAL AND METABOLIC DISTURBANCES IN POST-COVID-19 DISEASE OUTCOMES

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases
• Metabolic Health
• COVID-19 Research

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms are increasingly recognized as potential early indicators of COVID-19.
• Understanding the link between GIT symptoms, metabolic disturbances, and disease severity is crucial for patient management.
• Post-COVID-19 conditions require thorough investigation, particularly concerning gender-specific impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify gastrointestinal symptoms preceding COVID-19 respiratory issues for early detection.
• To evaluate the correlation between symptom duration, metabolic disturbances, and COVID-19 prognosis.
• To analyze the impact of metabolic and GIT symptoms on disease severity in different genders.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 200 individuals (both genders) with confirmed COVID-19 (PCR-verified) were monitored post-recovery.
• Data collected included gastrointestinal symptoms, metabolic markers (glucose, D-dimer, ferritin), and disease severity.
• Statistical analysis was employed to determine the predictive value of symptom duration and metabolic disturbances.

Main Results:

• Common gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea (51%), increased appetite (76%), and anal fissure (30%).
• Metabolic disturbances were prevalent: glucose issues (65%), elevated D-dimer (77%), and high ferritin (62%).
• Both metabolic and gastrointestinal symptom disturbances significantly affected a larger percentage of male participants.

Conclusions:

• Patients recovering from COVID-19 require follow-up for at least one month to monitor for post-COVID symptoms.
• Male patients appear particularly susceptible to post-COVID gastrointestinal and metabolic complications.
• Early recognition of gastrointestinal symptoms may aid in predicting COVID-19 severity and guiding treatment.