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Severe Morbidity and Mortality From Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Hmong Individuals With Gout

Kari Falaas1, Michael Schnaus2,3, Elie Gertner2

  • 1University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, falaa002@umn.edu.

WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|June 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Severe outcomes and high mortality were observed in Hmong patients with gout and COVID-19. This highlights potential disparities in care and the impact of comorbidities on coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Genetics and Genomics

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately affects patients with comorbidities like gout.
  • Diverse populations, including the Hmong community, experience unique challenges with COVID-19.
  • The combined impact of gout and ethnicity on COVID-19 severity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate COVID-19 outcomes in Hmong patients with coexisting gout.
  • To assess the severity and mortality rates in this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 21 Hmong patients with gout and COVID-19.
  • Data collected from two tertiary care centers between March 2020 and December 2021.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half (48%) of patients required mechanical ventilation.
  • A significant 30-day mortality rate of 57% was observed.
  • Various levels of respiratory support were needed, from low-flow oxygen to mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • Hmong patients with gout experienced a high burden of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • High mortality rates suggest potential roles for comorbidities, vaccination disparities, and structural factors.
  • Further research is needed to address health disparities and improve outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Abstract

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