The effects of post covid-19 in adults with regard to oxygen-carrying capacity after infection

Abstract

Aim and background: COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that is characterised by ARDS and hyperinflammation. The lungs are the primary organs affected and this results in difficulty breathing. Invasion of cells induces cell apoptosis, and can lead to haemolysis, thereby altering the transport of gases. Individuals with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have compromised innate immune systems, which is characterised by low-grade chronic inflammation that might aggravate the inflammation caused by COVID-19. This puts them at increased risk of severe infection and complications. COVID-19 symptoms can persist a few months after the viral load has decreased. There is an 80% prevalence of individuals having longCOVID. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of post COVID19 on the oxygen-carrying capacity in these adults. Method: This was a case-COVID-19 naïve cross-sectional study that included an COVID-19 positive (n=28) and a COVID-19 naïve group (n=196) with all participants older than18 years. Questionnaires were administered to acquire participant details. The oxygen carrying capacity (haemoglobin and haematocrit), and variables of COVID-19 risk factors such as blood glucose (BG), blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Furthermore, a food frequency assessment was done to determine the daily intake of nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12). Results Males who had COVID-19 presented with significantly higher BG levels than those who never had COVID-19 (p=0,003). Males who had COVID-19 also presented with significantly high DBP (p=0,023), as well as significantly high HR (p=0,021). Obesity has a 47,6% prevalence in females who had COVID-19. Iron and folic acid intake was below the recommended daily allowance (RDA); however, that of vitamin B12 exceeded the RDA. The participants consumed less than the RDA iron and folic acid but consumed more than the RDA vitamin B12. Conclusion: Comorbidities decrease oxygen-carrying capacity in individuals who had COVID-19. Most comorbidities are more prevalent in males than females There was deficiency of iron and folic acid caused by participants not consuming RDA.