Prevalence and correlation of symptoms and comorbidities in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 affected millions of people, and the patients present a constellation of symptoms and comorbidities. We aimed to chronicle the prevalence and correlations of symptoms and comorbidities, and associated covariates among the patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis [PROSPERO registration: CRD42020182677]. Databases [PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, WHO, Semantic Scholar, and COVID-19 Primer] were searched for clinical studies published in English from January 1 to April 20, 2020. The pooled prevalence of symptoms and comorbidities were identified using the random effect model, and sub-groups analysis of patients age and locations were investigated. A multivariable factor analysis was also performed to show the correlation among symptoms, comorbidities and age of the COVID-19 patients. Findings: Twenty-nine articles [China (24); Outside of China (5)], with 4,884 COVID-19 patients were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis investigated 33 symptoms, where fever [84%], cough/dry cough [61%], and fatigue/weakness [42%] were found frequent. Out of 43 comorbidities investigated, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [61%] was a common condition, followed by hypertension [23%] and diabetes [12%]. According to the patients age, the prevalence of symptoms like fatigue/weakness, dyspnea/shortness of breath, and anorexia were highly prevalent in older adults [≥50 years] than younger adults [<50 years]. Diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and COPD/lung disease were more prevalent comorbidities in older adults than younger adults. The patients from outside of China had significantly higher prevalence [p<0.005] of diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, sore throat, and dyspnea, and the prevalent comorbidities in that region were diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and ARDS. The multivariable factor analysis showed positive association between a group of symptoms and comorbidities, and with the patients age. Interpretation: Epitomizing the correlation of symptoms of COVID-19 with comorbidities and patients age would help clinicians effectively manage the patients.

COVID-19 Mortality and Morbidity Rate in a Tertiary Care Hospital Swat, Pakistan

“…In the current study, based on gender distribution, covid-19 was detected in 16.69% females while amongst males it was detected in 19.16% patients (p=0.001).In accordance with our study, a high morbidity rate of covid-19 was observed in males as compared to females 16 .This might be due to involvement of males in outside home activities as compared to females due to which more males are exposed to the covid-19 infection. Another study also reported comparable results and shows that more males are infected by covid-19 as compared to females 21 .…”

“…In the current study, a total of 11444 patients were enrolled finally and based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), covid-19 was detected in 18.25% patients.In accordance with our study, a recent study carried out by Fazal Rahman et al reported 22.4% morbidity rate in their study 16 .A recent study carried out by Sarah Arif et al reported 6% prevalence of covid-19 which is not in accordance with our study 17 .Other studies also reported contrasting results as compared to our findings 18,19 . A recent study reported 19% morbidity rate which is almost similar to our findings 20 .…”

“…In 16 . In our study high morbidity was observed in age group 101-120 years which might be due to very less no of patients in this group.…”

Estimation and prediction of doubling time for COVID-19 epidemic in Bangladesh: a study of first 14 month’s daily confirmed new cases and deaths

“…The pandemic has rapidly swept across the globe infecting more than 122 million people, and more than 2.69 million people died as of 20 March, 2021 [2]. Since its rapid spread outside of Mainland China at the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 caused a serious global public health threat [3][4][5]. At its early phase in China, the number of cases were double at every 7.5 days, indicating a faster transmission of the virus [6].…”

“Safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy used for the management of COVID 19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials”

“…Majority of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic but the potential to transmit the virus continues to be high. (11,12)…”