Clinical and Microbiological Outcomes in Overweight or Obese Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 infection has been one of the most significant pandemics in history, and obesity is a factor that increases the risk of complications. Objective: To characterize patients diagnosed with COVID-19, according to their body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes of the infection. Methods: Descriptive study in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 disease and classified according to their BMI. Microbiological and clinical variables were recorded, in addition to outcomes attributed to the infection. The information was analyzed using descriptive methods. Results: 167 patients were included with a median age of 64 years (IQR=22), 13.8% with normal BMI, 45.5% overweight and 40.7% obese. In the overweight group, higher levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein and liver enzymes were identified compared to the normal BMI and obese groups. The number of days on mechanical ventilation was higher in overweight and obese patients (Median:14[IQR=21] and Median:12[IQR=21], respectively), compared to the normal BMI group (Median:9[IQR=13]). Up to one co-infecting microorganism was found in 51.4%, two in 25.7%, and three in 22.8%. At least 85% of patients who presented renal, neurological and hepatic dysfunction had a BMI >25 kg/m2. The overall mortality was 48.5% and predominated in overweight (51.8%) and obese (26.5%) patients. Conclusion: A higher frequency of morbidity and mortality outcomes clinically attributed to COVID-19 was evident in overweight patients. However, analytical designs are needed to demonstrate the possible additional risk in overweight patients with COVID-19.