Genitourinary tract symptoms in patients admitted with COVID-19: Exploring changes in frequency by determinants and pandemic waves

BACKGROUND: Urothelial cells exhibit increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, which is the binding site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to cells. The frequency and distribution of genitourinary tract symptoms in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We explored trends in genitourinary tract symptoms by gender and each of six pandemic waves in patients admitted for COVID-19, and related them with severity, death and length of hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective study took place in our institution of COVID-19 admitted patients. Only patients with RT-PCR or antigen test confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Demographic, clinical, and genitourinary symptoms were explored. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: COVID-19 patients with genitourinary tract symptoms were compared with those without. Statistical comparisons were conducted by parametric and nonparametric tests for quantitative variables, and [Formula: see text] test for qualitative variables. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Out of a total of 4,661 COVID-19 patients, genitourinary symptoms were found in 21,1%. These symptoms were more frequent in patients admitted for longer than 30 days, except for urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Acute kidney injury (AKI) and urinary tract infections (UTI) had a higher presence in the 5(th) (16.7%; 12.8% respectively) and 3(rd) wave (13.3%; 12.6% respectively). Genitourinary symptoms were higher for those patients admitted in critical care units. Frequency of AKI, UI, UTI and acute urinary retention (AUR) were higher for patients who were finally deceased (26.2%; 3.5%; 13.6% and 3.6% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of genitourinary symptoms in patients admitted for COVID-19 was observed, whose frequency and distribution varied according to pandemic waves. Specific genitourinary conditions were associated with worse outcomes and poorer prognosis.