Dyslipidemia is associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection

Background and aims The number of positive and death cases from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still increasing. The identification of risk factors for severe outcomes is important. Dyslipidemia has been shown as a long-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential association between dyslipidemia and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed database using specific keywords related to our aims until July 9th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and dyslipidemia were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 7 studies with a total of 6922 patients were included in our analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that dyslipidemia is associated with severe COVID-19 infections [RR 1.39 (95% CI 1.03–1.87), p = 0.03, I2 = 57%, random-effect modelling]. Conclusion Dyslipidemia increases the risk of the development of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infections. Patients with dyslipidemia should be monitored closely to minimize the risk of COVID-19.
Highlights • Our meta-analysis showed that dyslipidemia is associated with severe COVID-19 infections. • Patients with dyslipidemia should be monitored closely to minimize the risk of COVID-19. • The presence of dyslipidemia should be considered for further risk stratification of COVID-19.