Risk of Severe COVID-19 Increased by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease A Meta-analysis

Background: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients and whether it affects the outcomes of COVID-19 requires investigation. Goals: The aim was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients and its influence on the outcomes of COVID-19 by meta-analysis. Methods: Our study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021242243). The studies published on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science before March 11, 2021 were screened. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale were used to assess the quality of the studies. Pooled analysis was conducted using the software RevMan version 5.3 and Stata version 15.0 SE. The stability of the results was assessed by sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger test, and trim-and-fill analysis. Results: Seven studies covering 2141 COVID-19 patients were included. It was confirmed that MAFLD increased the risk of severe COVID-19 (odds ratios: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-2.13, P<0.00001). No association was found between the presence of MAFLD and the occurrence of COVID-19 death. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients was 36% (95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.49, P<0.00001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the initial results were stable. Conclusions: MAFLD can increase the incidence of severe COVID-19, but the correlation between MAFLD and COVID-19 death has not been confirmed. Further investigation is needed to explore the possible mechanism of this association. Since MAFLD is common among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, more care should be given to COVID-19 patients with underlying MAFLD.

Automated summary

The prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients was found to be 36%, with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 associated with MAFLD but no confirmed correlation with COVID-19 death. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of this association and provide better care for COVID-19 patients with MAFLD.