The impact of metabolic syndrome on morbidity and mortality among intensive care unit admitted COVID-19 patients

Background and aims Given the limited information describing the connection between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we aimed to assess the impact of MetS on morbidity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed from 1st April to May 3, 2020 on 157 ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients in Shahid Modarres Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Patients’ clinical, laboratory and radiological findings, and subsequent complications, were collected and compared between MetS and non-MetS groups. Results 74 of all cases had MetS. Among the MetS components, waist circumference (p-value = 0.006 for men; p-value40 (OR = 6.9368) had more odds of fatality comparing to those with BMI>35 (OR = 4.0690) and BMI>30 (OR = 2.5287). Furthermore, the waist circumference (OR = 8.31; p-value
Highlights • There is limited information about the connection between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the outcome of COVID-19 patients. • The hospitalized COVID-19 cases with MetS undergoing intensive cares are more likely to have severe clinical course. • The need for prioritizing screening, detection, and aggressive therapy in MetS patients must be considered. • MetS is associated with increased risk of severe complications and mortality among COVID-19 ICU-admitted patients.