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Malnutrition in COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and risk factors

Matteo Tosato1, Riccardo Calvani2,3, Francesca Ciciarello1

  • 1Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|September 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Malnutrition is common in COVID-19 survivors, affecting 22% up to 5 months post-illness. Older age, male sex, and acute COVID-19 symptoms like appetite loss are key risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Geriatric medicine

Background:

  • Nutritional status significantly impacts COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Malnutrition is linked to adverse results in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among COVID-19 survivors.
  • To identify factors associated with malnutrition in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1230 COVID-19 survivors (aged 18-86) was assessed.
  • Data collected included clinical parameters, anthropometry, acute COVID-19 symptoms, and lifestyle.
  • Malnutrition was diagnosed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of malnutrition was 22% at 4-5 months post-acute illness.
  • Malnutrition was more frequent in non-hospitalized survivors (26%) and those over 65 (25%).
  • Advanced age (OR 1.02) and male sex (OR 5.56) were independent risk factors. Loss of appetite (OR 2.50) and dysgeusia (OR 4.05) during acute infection were associated with malnutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Malnutrition is highly prevalent in COVID-19 survivors months after acute illness.
  • These findings underscore the importance of integrating nutritional assessment and therapy into COVID-19 patient care.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anorexia of agingGLIM criteriaGeriatricsLong CovidNutritional status

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