COVID-19 IN OBESE PERSONS: OUTCOME OF HOSPITALIZATIONS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC

Anuncio preliminar

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a comparative case-control study (obese and non-obese) in relation to the outcome of hospitalizations for severe cases of COVID-19. Method: This is a retrospective case-control study with an analytical and quantitative approach. Data was collected using the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) notification forms available in an official database in the state of Paraná, located in the southern region of Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2021. Sample plan: The sample included 54,667 individuals hospitalized with severe COVID-19, classified as obese (BMI ? 30 kg/m²) or non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m²). Statistical analysis: Obese and non-obese hospitalizations were analyzed using absolute numbers and percentages. The independent variables were: gender, age, obesity, comorbidities, use of ventilatory
support and place of hospitalization. The dependent variable was cure or death. The generalized Mantel Haenszel test was used to assess the association. The measure of association was the odds ratio with a 95% confidence level using the R software. Results: The odds ratio between the use of ventilatory support and the evolution of the
case did not differ between obese and non-obese patients (? 2 = 2.97, df = 1, p = 0.08). The odds ratio between age group (? 2 = 32.28, df = 1, p < 0.001), comorbidities 2.60(95%CI = (2.48, 2.71) , gender (? 2 = 5.35, df = 1, p = 0.02), ICU admission ((? 2 = 3.64, df = 1, p = 0.05) and case evolution differed between obese and non-obese 3 patients. Conclusion: Obese people have unfavorable hospitalization outcomes when compared to non-obese people.