Association Between Lipid Profile and COVID-19 Severity: Insights from a Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study in...

Objective: To examine the relationship between lipid profile components-including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides-and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Northern Greece. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using data from 208 COVID-19 patients. Lipid profiles [including LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and triglycerides], prior antilipidemic treatment, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 19. Patients: A total of 208 COVID-19 patients from Northern Greece. Results: The mean LDL level was 84.12 mg/dL, with no significant differences observed between survivors and non-survivors. Prior antilipidemic treatment did not significantly affect outcomes. Elevated triglyceride levels were noted in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and lower HDL levels were associated with higher CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Although LDL levels declined over time in non-survivors, this decrease was not statistically significant. Longitudinal analysis showed normalization of LDL levels post-recovery, while HDL levels remained persistently low. Conclusions: Despite observable alterations in lipid profiles, their prognostic significance in this cohort was limited. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the role of lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.