Mini Review: Co-Existing Diseases and COVID-19—A One Way Ticket?

Background and aims. Many patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection have various comorbidities. Their presence in the background of coronavirus has a tendency to worsen the course of the disease and increase the risk of unfavorable outcomes. Understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and the most common comorbidities is key to the successful management of these patients. Methods. We systematically searched Medline, Springer and Elsevier databases and accessed the full text on SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the following conditions: cardiovascular, renal, immunosuppression, metabolic disorder and hematological in order to prepare a narrative review on this topic. Results. Patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases are more likely to suffer from severe forms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular diseases were also noted as the most frequent comorbidities among coronavirus patients. Metabolic syndrome and its components have been identified as the second most common comorbidity among fatal cases of COVID-19. Infected patients with acute kidney injury also show a higher mortality rate among the others. Immunocompromised patients, such as organ recipients and cancer and hematologic patients, develop more severe forms of COVID-19 and are at higher risk of admission to ICUs and requiring mechanical ventilation. Higher mortality rates among those patients have also been observed. Conclusions. Based on recent studies, patients with co-existing diseases are at higher risk for severe courses of COVID-19 virus infection and unfavorable outcomes. Cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and immunosuppressive and kidney diseases in the presence of coronavirus may lead to longer and more aggressive treatment in the ICU and increased mortality rate.