Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, but a multi-systemic involvement has been reported, including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) causing GIT symptoms. This study aims to characterize GIT symptoms in hospitalised COVID-19 patients in two tertiary hospitals in Cameroon.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital records of patients admitted at the COVID-19 units of two tertiary medical centers in Cameroon, between March 2020 to December 2020. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory and radiologic data of COVID-19 confirmed patients were included in the final analysis. Demographics included age and gender, clinical characteristics included gastrointestinal symptoms on admission (vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, and vomiting), and radiologic data were defined as findings consistent with COVID-19. R version 4.2 was used to analyze descriptive data, the chi-square test was used to test for associations, and p was considered significant at p< 0.05
Results: Overall, A total of 650 files were reviewed, and 507 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. 305 (65%) were males, and the mean was age 54 ± 14 years. Patients were generally overweight to obese (BMI 30.7±6.8kg/m2), with the majority having a cardiovascular risk factor or comorbid condition 301(59.4%). Baseline demographics were not different among those presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms compared to those without. A total of 142 (28.%) patients had at least one gastrointestinal symptom. The most common symptoms were anorexia 82 (16.%), diarrhea 38 (7.5%), and vomiting 32 (6%). The average day of appearance of GI symptoms before admission was 8.8 days. Laboratory results on admission revealed no significant differences in leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelets, and liver enzymes. The median duration of hospital stay was 7 days, and it did not differ between those with or without GI symptoms (7 vs 8 days p= 0.3). Overall mortality in-hospital mortality was 161(31.7%); there was no statical significant difference in the mortality rate of patients who presented with GI symptoms (30 vs 23.6 p= 0.16)
Discussion: One in four persons hospitalized for COVID-19 in Douala had at least a gastrointestinal symptom. Therefore, COVID 19 testing should be considered for patients with GI symptoms.
