Obesity and COVID-19: a review of pathophysiology and laboratory tests

Abstract

Objective: To describe the pathophysiology of obesity and highlight the importance of the main laboratory tests in the evaluation of obese patients with COVID-19. Bibliografic review: The infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 brings with it a wide spectrum of symptoms in patients, ranging from asymptomatic, nonspecific symptoms and/or even death. Among the main complications associated with deaths from COVID-19 are hepatic steatosis, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and kidney disease, which, in most cases, are linked to obesity. Laboratory tests are performed by measuring specific enzymes for each pathology, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydroganease, troponin and cardiac creatinine kinase to assess heart disease, and glycated hemoglobin and the Glucose Tolerance Test for blood glucose levels. In turn, liver function can also be evaluated by means of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and organ damage by AST and alanine aminotransferase. Measurements of urea, creatinine, assessment of glomerular filtration rate and urine sediment elements can still be ordered for renal assessment. Final considerations: Laboratory tests must be interpreted with care, and the patient must be monitored by a multidisciplinary team, in order to have a better prognosis.