Comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wern Hann Ng, Thomas Tipih, Makoah N. Aminake, Jan‐G Vermeulen, Dominique Goedhals, Joseph B. Sempa, Felicity J. Burt, Adam Taylor, Suresh Mahalingam
Abstract
COVID-19 has plagued the world since it was first identified in December 2019. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analysis were limited by various factors such as the usage of non-peer reviewed data and were also limited by the lack of clinical data on a global scale. Comorbidities are frequently cited as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, the degree to which specific comorbidities impact the disease is debatable. Our study selection involves a global reach and covers all comorbidities that were reported to be involved in the exacerbation of COVID-19 leading to fatal outcomes, which allows us to identify the specific comorbidities that have higher risk in patients. The study highlights COVID-19 high-risk groups. However, further research should focus on the status of comorbidities and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.