Gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 are associated with a higher risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objectives:
Are gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 associated with a higher risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 4 studies.

Results and conclusions:   
The investigators found no association between gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 and mortality risk [pooled odds ratio = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.49 to 1.68, I2 = 0%].  
No association because pooled odds ratio of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.49 to 1.68. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 significantly increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome with 194% [pooled odds ratio = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.17 to 7.40, I2 = 0%].  

The investigators concluded gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 are associated with a higher risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, but do not increase the risk of mortality.

Original title:
Meta-analysis of outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infection with versus without gastrointestinal symptoms by Gul F, Lo KB, [...], Rangaswami J.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669979/

Additional information of El Mondo:
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