Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

November 16, 2020

Newly Reported Studies on the Increase in Gastrointestinal Symptom Prevalence With COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms among COVID-19 patients from Chinese studies conducted earlier in the epidemic and more recent studies predominantly conducted outside of China found higher rates of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain in non-Chinese studies. The pooled prevalence estimate of any GI symptom was 0.21, and the most commonly reported symptoms were loss of appetite (18%) and diarrhea (15%).  Studies that reviewed only inpatients found a lower prevalence of abdominal pain than studies that included outpatients only, or studies with both inpatients and outpatients. 

Akin et al. (Nov 10, 2020). Newly Reported Studies on the Increase in Gastrointestinal Symptom Prevalence With COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diseases. https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases8040041