Researchers Investigate the Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Outcomes in COVID-19 PatientsResearchers Investigate the Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients A study published in the journal *Critical Care* examined the relationship between BMI and disease severity and mechanical ventilation (MV) needs in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Study Design and Results Researchers analyzed data from over 985 adult patients admitted with COVID-19 in Houston, Texas. They stratified patients into five groups based on respiratory support: invasive MV, BiPAP ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), HFNC and BiPAP, and room air. Key Findings * Overall survival rate was 81%. * No significant association between BMI and mortality was found. * No link between BMI and the need for MV was observed. * Length of hospital stay did not differ among BMI groups. Conclusion Contrary to previous research, this study found no association between higher BMI and poorer outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including death, length of hospital stay, or the need for MV. Implications These findings challenge the previously held belief that higher BMI adversely affects outcomes in COVID-19. Further research is needed to better understand the complex factors influencing disease progression and outcomes in this population.
Below is a summary of “Impact of Body Mass Index on Mechanical Ventilation and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19,” published in the June 2024 issue of Critical care by Molina et al.
There is increasing evidence that there is a strong correlation between higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and poorer outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to investigate the influence of BMI on disease severity and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with COVID-19.
They analyzed patients in hospitals in Houston, Texas (March 2020 to February 2022). The study included all adult patients admitted with COVID-19. Patients were stratified into 5 groups based on respiratory support. Group 1 received invasive MV, group 2 received BiPAP ventilation, group 3 used a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for oxygen supplementation, group 4 received a combination of HFNC and BiPAP, and group 5 was managed with room air.
The result showed 985 adults with COVID-19 (median age: 55.7 years, BMI: 29.3 kg/m2(27-34.5 kg/m2)2)). Males constituted 56.2% (554) and females 43.8% (431). The overall survival rate was 81% (798 patients). Analysis by weight class, the survival rates were underweight (13/15, 86.7%), normal weight (143/175, 81.7%), overweight (267/338, 79%), obesity class 1 (191/227, 84.1%), obesity class 2 (98/124, 79%) and obesity class 3 (87/107, 81.3%) (P=0.695). When evaluating the need for MV, 160 (16.1%) of all patients required assistance. Of these, 3 (20%) patients were underweight, 25 (16%) patients were normal weight, 62 (39%) patients were overweight, 33 (21%) patients were class 1 obese, 23 (14%) patients were class 2 obese, and 14 (9%) patients were class 3 obese and required ventilation (χ2 (5)=2,613, (P=0.759). The length of stay did not differ between the weight groups (P=0.632)underweight (6 days, IQR: 5-12), normal weight (7 days, IQR: 3-12), overweight (6.5 days, IQR: 4-12), obesity class 1 (7 days, IQR: 4-12), obesity class 2 (7.5 days, IQR: 4-14) and obesity class 3 (7 days, IQR: 5-12).
Researchers concluded that no association was seen between BMI and poorer outcomes in patients with COVID-19, including death, length of hospital stay, or need for MV.
Source: criticalcareshock.com/2024/04/7716/
