The EPICOVID19-BS study: a web-based epidemiological survey in bariatric patients.

Purpose: To assess the occurrence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19, frequency of symptoms, clinical manifestations and behaviours in a sample of patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS).

Methods: The EPICOVID19-BS is an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Italy during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2021-February 2022). Patients with severe/extreme obesity undergoing BS were asked to complete an online multiple-choice questionnaire and to provide additional clinical information and blood biochemistry. Positive COVID-19 cases were defined by the combination of positive nasopharyngeal swab test results and/or positive serological test results. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics were compared between positive and negative COVID-19 cases.

Results: A total of 745 participants were enrolled (mean age 44.5 ± 10.5 years SD, 78% female). The proportion of positive COVID-19 cases was 20.4%. They were more likely to be health care workers, to have close contacts with confirmed cases, to use anti-inflammatory drugs, to have immune system disorders, to have previous CMV infection, to have lower cholesterol levels and to have less metabolic syndrome than negative cases. Infected participants significantly increased their use of national health resources for minor health problems. The majority of participants experienced flu-like symptoms and taste and smell disturbances. Only 9.6% were hospitalised and none required intubation.

Conclusions: Our results seem to support the evidence that patients undergoing BS have a low rate of severe SARS-CoV2. Further longitudinal studies in multiple obesity treatment centres are needed to more effectively monitor and control obesity in this specific population.