The Impact of Comorbidities and Obesity on the Severity of COVID-19 and Risk Factors for Mortality, A Prospective Study in Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Background:The studies of the clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients around the world have made it possible to observe a rich semiology, which implicated obesity as a factor in the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, and can lead to intensive care or even death. Some biomarkers have been identified as risk factors for mortality. The aim of this study is to verify obesity and the risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 infection. Methods:This was a single-center prospective study carried out at Rouiba University Hospital, between March 19, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The clinical data were collected: age (year), BMI groups (≥ 30 and < 30 kg/m 2 ), sex, active smoking, medical history, clinical complaints, Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) at admission, and the length of hospital stay. A standard laboratory assessment and a chest CT without a contrast agent were performed. The prognostic was verified, and the healing, death, or transfers to intensive care were noted, and the data was analyzed. Results:Our results showed an obesity rate (26.8%) and a mortality rate (5.3%) and found that obesity increases the risk of severity but not mortality in hospitalized patients. The risk factors for death from COVID-19 were the underlying chronic diseases including diabetes, COPD, renal failure and cardiovascular disease, hypoxia on admission, elevated serum LDH, CRP, and D. Dimer level. Conclusions:The inclusion of obesity and risk factors in therapeutic management strategy and prognostic scores will be essential to improve the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.