Twofold higher risk for composite outcome of death or length of stay \u226514 days seen in obese COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
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THURSDAY, Oct. 14, 2021 (HealthDay News) — A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher risk for death and prolonged length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) among patients with COVID-19, according to a study published online Oct. 13 in PLOS ONE<\/em>.<\/p>\n Lovisa Sj \u00b6gren, from University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and colleagues used data from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry to identify 1,649 COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs to determine whether a high BMI affects the risk for death or prolonged LOS.<\/p>\n The researchers found a significant association between BMI and the risk for the composite outcome of death or LOS \u00e2\u0089\u00a514 days in survivors (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation [SD] increase, 1.30), when adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities. This association remained after further adjusting for severity of illness at ICU admission (OR, 1.30 per SD). Individuals with a BMI \u00e2\u0089\u00a535 kg\/m2<\/sup> had a twofold higher risk for the composite of death or LOS \u00e2\u0089\u00a514 days. There was also an association between a high BMI and death during intensive care and a prolonged LOS in survivors assessed as separate outcomes.<\/p>\n “Based on our findings, we suggest that individuals with obesity should be more closely monitored when hospitalized for COVID-19,” the authors write.<\/p>\n One author disclosed ties to Johnson & Johnson Medical.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n