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As there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, scientists are trying to isolate risk groups at risk of severe COVID-19 and death from infection. This is to give them special protection. Scientists also believe that identifying the factors that increase the risk of a severe COVID-19 course may be helpful in finding potential treatments.
Analysis of studies on the course of COVID-19
Scientists led by Dominik Wolff from Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School analyzed 28 COVID-19 clinical trials identifying factors at increased risk of developing severe or fatal disease. The review included those cases in which the rt-PR test was positive in patients.
Based on the research, factors contributing to severe COVID-19 disease were divided into those related to lifestyle, demographic factors and comorbidities.
Precise identification of risk groups allows them to be better protected against infection. In addition, the identification of risk factors may contribute to research into the pathophysiological processes of COVID-19, based on which it will be possible to develop possible treatment strategies
Factors that increase the risk of a severe course of COVID-19
Among the factors influencing the risk of a severe course of COVID-19, scientists mention smoking and obesity. It was also observed that the longer waiting time for admission to the hospital also had an impact on the course of the infection.
See: How do comorbidities affect the course of COVID-19? Large meta-analysis
When it comes to demographic factors, this the elderly, men and postmenopausal women are more exposed to severe symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. Some publications state that the risk of severe disease increases after the age of 65.
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Co-morbidities include hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Cerebrovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and tuberculosis are less dangerous in combination with COVID-19.
Among the diseases that developed during coronavirus infection, organ failure, immune dysfunction, acute liver injury, hypoproteinemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe pneumonia, cytokine storm and blood clotting have a significant impact on the course of the disease.
Factors increasing the risk of death in the course of COVID-19
The most frequently identified factors that increase the risk of death due to COVID-19 are old age and male gender. Coexisting diseases also play an important role. Hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease appear most frequently in publications. Cardiovascular diseases, acute liver damage, and kidney diseases are also affected.
The risk factors for higher mortality also include diseases that developed during COVID-19: kidney injuries, heart injuries, liver damage.
You can read more about the study itself and its limitations here.
The editorial board recommends:
- Obese people are at a higher risk of the severe form of coronavirus infection
- An American study revealed which comorbidities increase the critical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection
- What do we know about the death toll from the coronavirus in Poland?
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