Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes in Severe COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Single Center, Kabul

Abstract

Previous studies have reported an association between certain medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, and severe COVID-19. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among severe COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the only specialized center for COVID-19 in Kabul, Afghan-Japan Hospital Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized, including 202 patients, admitted to Afghan-Japan Hospital during the first six months of 2022. Medical records of patients tested positive for COVID-19 via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with oxygen saturation levels below 90% at the time of admission were included in the study. Age, sex, and the presence of hypertension and diabetes were the studied variables. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results:The median age of the patients were 63 (IQR=54.75-75) years. Males and females each accounting for 50% of the total, and the majority of the patients (50.5%) were in the age group 60-79. Of 202 patients, 143 (70.8%) had hypertension, 42 (20.8%) had diabetes, 147 patients (72.77%) had at least one of these comorbidities. Fifty-five patients (27.22%) were without diabetes and without hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher among female, ie, 57.1% and 54.5% respectively. Patients in the 40-59 year old group had the highest rate of hypertension (75.6%). The highest prevalence of diabetes was seen in the 60-79 year old group. Conclusion:The study found a higher prevalence of hypertension in severe COVID-19 cases compared to global reports and the general adult population in Afghanistan. The relationship between hypertension and COVID-19 risk needs further investigation. The prevalence of diabetes was also higher, consistent with findings from other countries.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes in Severe COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Single Center, Kabul [Letter]

“…The paper by Mohammad Zobair Wardak et al, entitled Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes in Severe COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Single Center, Kabul, is really interesting to be read and review for further discussion. 1 A similar study topic was previously reported by Deravi et al 2 in a systematic review, which also showed that the most frequent comorbidities in patients with severe COVID treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) were diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Diabetes can cause neutrophils and T cells to operate less well, which can lead to secondary infections by downregulating the humoral and innate immune systems.…”