COVID-19 and metabolic syndrome

Abstract BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components contribute to severe and worse outcomes of COVID-19. We aimed to describe the impact of MS on COVID-19 infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, including COVID-19 patients, hospitalized in the infectious diseases department in Hedi Chaker Hospital between November 2020 and February 2021. The population was divided into G1 (with MS) and G2 (without MS). MS has been defined by the co-occurrence of three of these cardiovascular risk factors (insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertension). RESULTS: In total, 351 patients were collected. The main cardiovascular risk factors were diabetes (43.5%), high blood pressure (43.8%), stroke (12.8%), dyslipemia (9.4%), and obesity (15.9%). The population was divided into G1 (111 patients) and G2 (241 patients). G1 patients were older: 68 ± 11(p = 0.009). There was no difference in terms of gender (p=0.4). Smoking was found similarly (p = 0.1). Dyspnea and digestive manifestations were observed in both groups (p 0.4 and 0.6 respectively). Cough was more reported in G1 patients (p=0.03). Severe forms (> 10L / min of oxygen therapy) were more observed in G1 (p = 0.03). Acute renal failure was more observed in G1 (p=0.007). Cytolysis were found on both groups. Transfer to intensive care and death were independent of MS (p 0.1 and 0.3, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, MS is associated with advanced age and leaded to severe forms. In fact, pre-existing endothelial dysfunction in MS may play a crucial role for the development of severe COVID-19. Funding and Conflicts of Interest No