# Nutritional and Inflammatory Markers Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Elderly

## TL;DR

This study explores how body measurements and inflammation markers relate to the severity of COVID-19 in elderly patients.

## Contribution

The study identifies anthropometric and inflammatory markers linked to disease severity in elderly SARS-CoV-2 patients.

## Key findings

- Overweight status and increased abdominal adiposity correlate with prolonged hospitalization and severe disease.
- Elevated oxygen requirements are observed in both normal and overweight individuals, with the latter needing prolonged oxygen therapy.
- Molecular analyses show changes in inflammatory profiles associated with patient outcomes.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed unprecedented challenges to global health systems, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Understanding the interplay between anthropometric markers, molecular profiles, and disease severity is crucial for effective clinical management and intervention strategies. We conducted a cohort study comprising 43 elderly COVID-19 patients admitted to São Lucas Hospital, PUCRS, Brazil. Anthropometric measurements, including calf circumference (CC) and abdominal circumference (AC), were assessed alongside molecular analyses of peripheral blood samples obtained within 48 h of hospital admission. Sociodemographic data were collected from electronic medical records for comprehensive analysis. Our findings revealed a possible relationship between overweight status, increased abdominal adiposity, and prolonged hospitalization duration, alongside heightened disease severity. We also found no significant correlations between BMI, vitamin D levels, and clinical outcomes. Elevated oxygen requirements were observed in both normal and overweight individuals, with the latter necessitating prolonged oxygen therapy. Molecular analyses revealed changes in the inflammatory profile regarding the outcome of the patients. Our study highlights the critical importance of both anthropometric and molecular markers in predicting disease severity and clinical outcomes in elderly individuals with COVID-19.