A network meta-analysis of association between cardiometabolic risk factors and COVID-19 outcome severity

Abstract

Background: Cardiometabolic comorbidities have been associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality, but more investigations are needed to determine which comorbidity is more detrimental. Methods: Embase, Emcare, and MEDLINE were searched systematically for prospective and retrospective studies assessing the associations of cardiometabolic risk factors and COVID-19 outcomes of hospitalization, severity, and mortality among COVID-19-diagnosed patients. Literature search was performed from first publication to May 19, 2021. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: From the literature search, 301 studies suggested that all included cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, severity, and mortality, except that overweight was associated with a decreased risk of mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.98). Patients with diabetes (RR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.45–1.47) were most likely to be hospitalized; patients with heart failure had the highest risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes (RR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.71–2.09); while patients with stroke were most susceptible to overall mortality (RR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.90–2.08). In the network meta-analysis, cerebrovascular disease had the highest impact (RR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.65–1.73) on COVID-19 outcomes compared to other cardiometabolic risk factors. For different combinations of risk factors, cardiovascular disease and diabetes combined (RR 6.98; 95% CI, 5.28–9.22) was more detrimental than others. Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities and risk of all severe outcomes, patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities should be prioritized in vaccination and treatment development of COVID-19.