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Malnutrition in COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and risk factors

*Corresponding author
  • Abbott Laboratories

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

Background Nutritional status is a critical factor throughout COVID-19 disease course. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Aim To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and identify its associated factors in COVID-19 survivors.Methods Study cohort included 1230 COVID-19 survivors aged 18-86 attending a post-COVID-19 outpatient service. Data on clinical parameters, anthropometry, acute COVID-19 symptoms, lifestyle habits were collected through a comprehensive medical assessment. Malnutrition was assessed according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria.Results Prevalence of malnutrition was 22% at 4-5 months after acute disease. Participants who were not hospitalized during acute COVID-19 showed a higher frequency of malnutrition compared to those who needed hospitalization (26% versus 19%, p < 0.01). Malnutrition was found in 25% COVID-19 survivors over 65 years of age compared to 21% younger participants (p < 0.01). After multivariable adjustment, the likelihood of being malnourished increased progressively and independently with advancing age (Odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and in male participants (OR 5.56; 95% CI 3.53-8.74). Malnutrition was associated with loss of appetite (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.73-3.62), and dysgeusia (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.30-7.21) during acute COVID-19.Discussion In the present investigation we showed that malnutrition was highly prevalent in a large cohort of COVID-19 survivors at 4-5 months from acute illness.Conclusions Our findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive nutritional assessment and therapy as an integral part of care for COVID-19 patients.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2257-2265
Number of pages9
JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research
Volume35
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ageing
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Keywords

  • Anorexia of aging
  • GLIM criteria
  • Geriatrics
  • Long Covid
  • Nutritional status

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