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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Coronavirus | Systematic review update

The effect of age on the incidence of COVID-19 complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Sofonyas Abebaw Tiruneh, Zemenu Tadese Tesema, Melkalem Mamuye Azanaw, Dessie Abebaw Angaw

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was reported from Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, and the pandemic was spread to more than 212 countries in the globe. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled incidence of COVID-19 complications and to identify the association between the incidence of complications and age.

Methods

Comprehensive databases, PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar, were used to locate potential articles for this review. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and imported to the STATA/MP version 16.0 software for analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test statistics and I² test, and small study effect was checked using Egger’s statistical test at 5% significant level. Sensitivity analysis was checked. A random-effects model was conducted to estimate the pooled incidence of COVID-19 complications. Univariate meta-regression was conducted to identify the association between the mean ages with each complication.

Results

From the total of 1237 studies, 12 studies were included with a total of 3064 COVID-19 patients. The most complications were acute respiratory distress syndrome (30.93%, 95%CI 21.3–40.6%) followed by acute liver injury (22.8%, 95%CI 14–31.5%), shock (10.9%, 95%CI 7.4–14.4%), acute kidney injury (7%, 95%CI 3.8–10.4%), and acute cardiac injury (6.4%, 95%CI 2.8–15.6%). Univariate meta-regression revealed that as the mean age increased by 1 year, the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, acute cardiac injury, and shock increased by a factor of 2.9 (β = 2.9, 95%CI 2.4–3.4, adjusted R² = 88), 0.4 (β = 0.4, 95%CI 0.04–0.72, adjusted R² = 54), 1.6 (β = 1.6, 95%CI 1.1–2.1, adjusted R² = 85), and 1.1 (β = 1.1, 95%CI 0.8–1.5, adjusted R² = 26) times respectively.

Conclusion

Significant complications of COVID-19 viral infections were reported. Older populations were a high-risk group of developing adverse complications as compared to their counterparts. Health care professionals should give primary attention to those risk group individuals.

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Title: The effect of age on the incidence of COVID-19 complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sofonyas Abebaw Tiruneh
Zemenu Tadese Tesema
Melkalem Mamuye Azanaw
Dessie Abebaw Angaw
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Coronavirus
Acute Kidney Injury
Shock
Shock
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
Acute Respiratory Distress-Syndrome
COVID-19
Acute Kidney Injury
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01636-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effect of age on the incidence of COVID-19 complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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