Prevalence of gastro-intestinal symptoms among COVID-19 patients and the association with disease clinical outcomes.

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study examined the various manifestations of COVID-19 in people's gastro-intestinal system and how gastro-intestinal involvement relates to the progression and outcome of the disease. Methodology: A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 561 COVID-19 patients between February 6 and 6 April 2022. Laboratory data and clinical outcomes were obtained from the patients' medical records. Results: 39.9% of patients presented gastro-intestinal symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gastro-intestinal symptoms were not linked to poorer outcomes such as mortality, ICU admission or length of hospital stays. Conclusion: gastro-intestinal symptoms were common among patients and may manifest with respiratory symptoms. We recommended clinicians to watch out for gastro-intestinal symptoms as related to COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system. However, it has been previously reported that the disease can impact other organ systems, particularly the gastro-intestinal system. A prospective descriptive study design which involved 561 COVID-19 patients was performed to identify the various manifestations of COVID-19 in people's gastro-intestinal system and how gastro-intestinal involvement influenced the progression and outcome of the disease. Almost 40% of patients presented with gastro-intestinal symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, the presence of gastro-intestinal symptoms was not linked to poorer outcomes such as mortality, ICU admission, length of hospital stays and increased mechanical intubation of COVID-19 patients.