The effect of obesity on COVID-19 course

Objectives: Clinical features and risk factors are highly variable for Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Researchers investigate for the prediction of people who have high risk of developing severe illness and dying. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of obesity on the course of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively screened between March 11 and April 30. Anthropometric measures including standing height and body weight were measured at admission. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and patients were classified into three groups as BMI< 25, BMI 25-29.99, and BMI30 according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity in Turkey.

Epicardial fat volume predicts clinical severity of COVID-19

Background and Aim: The inflammatory response plays a critical role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and inflammatory cytokine storm increases the severity of COVID-19. Epicardial adipose tissue serves as a source of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial fat volume (EFV), inflammatory biomarkers and clinical severity of COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective study included 101 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 11 and April 21, 2020. Laboratory findings, treatment and complications were recorded. The serum inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and ferritin levels were measured. Computed tomographic images were analyzed and semi-automated measurements for EFV were obtained. The primary composite endpoint was admission to intensive care unit (ICU) or death. Results: The primary composite endpoint occurred in 25.1% (n=26) of patients (mean age 64.8±14.8 years, 14 male). A total of 10 patients died (mean age 71.9±14.3, 6 male). EFV (115.1±44.0 cm3 vs 94.3±45.5 cm3, respectively, p=0.037), CRP, PCT, ferritin and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in ICU patients. Moreover, a positive correlation between EFV and CRP (r=0.494, p<0.001), PCT (r=.287, p=0.005), ferritin (r=0.265, p=0.01) and IL-6 (r=0.311, p=0.005) was determined. At receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with EFV >102 cm3 were more likely to have severe complications. Conclusions: Epicardial fat volume and the serum levels of CRP, IL-6, PCT and ferritin can effectively assess disease severity and predict outcome in patients with COVID-19.