Work

Accumulated subcutaneous fat in abdomen is associated with long COVID-19 symptoms among non-hospitalized patients: a prospective observational study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Long COVID-19 symptoms may have a variety of potential overlapping causes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential correlation between abdominal adipose tissue and long COVID-19 symptoms in non-hospitalized patients in China. Methods This is a prospective observational study. 424 subjects, recovered from COVID-19 for 2–4 weeks, were enrolled and 408 subjects were finished the follow-up investigation at baseline, 8th week and 12th week. Physical measurements were collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis and cox regression analysis were carried out to assess the correlation. Results A total of 72 subjects reported the long COVID-19 symptoms. The adjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis revealed a significant correlation with accumulated subcutaneous fat (SFA ≥ 2.0 dm2) and the long COVID-19 symptoms (HR = 2.63, P < 0.001 for male, HR = 1.52, P = 0.048 for female). However, overweight and central obesity showed positive correlation only in women. Discussion This study suggested that accumulated subcutaneous fat in abdomen (SFA ≥ 2.0 dm2) was an important positive factor associated with long COVID-19 symptoms among Chinese non-hospitalized patients. Large investigation and prospective studies are needed to validate the correlation in the future.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1410559

Authors: Tingxin Li, Baoming He, Yuping Liu, Chen Wang

Institutions: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295