Increased adiposity and visceral obesity have been linked to adverse COVID-19 outcomes.
The amount of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may have relevant implications given its proximity to the heart and lungs. Here, researchers explored the role of EAT in increasing the risk for COVID-19 adverse outcomes.
They included 748 patients with COVID-19 attending a reference center in Mexico City. EAT thickness, sub-thoracic, and extra-pericardial fat were measured using thoracic CT scans.
They explored the association of each thoracic adipose tissue compartment with COVID-19 mortality and severe COVID-19 (defined as mortality and need for invasive mechanical ventilation), according to the presence or absence of obesity.
EAT thickness was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality independent of age, gender, comorbid conditions, and BMI.
Increased EAT was associated with lower SpO2 and PaFi index and higher levels of cardiac troponins, D-dimer, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and 4 C severity score, independent of obesity.
EAT also mediated the effect of increased cardiac troponins on myocardial infarction during COVID-19.
EAT is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 and mortality independent of obesity. EAT partly mediates the effect of age and BMI and increased cardiac troponins on adverse COVID-19 outcomes.
Published: 11 January 2022
source:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-021-01050-7
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-01050-7
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