COVID-19: the endocrine opportunity in a pandemic

Minerva Endocrinol. 2020 Sep;45(3):204-227. doi: 10.23736/S0391-1977.20.03216-2. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Abstract

The 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the social, economical and medical system worldwide. Although it is strictly an infectious disease, its intricate bidirectional relationship with various non-communicable metabolic diseases and endocrinological factors has been observed. While diabetes, hypertension, obesity have been found to be independent risk factors for COVID-19 disease severity and mortality, more inclination towards sedentary lifestyle, psychosocial stress at this critical time may be the harbingers of metabolic syndrome. Thus, endocrinologists have a great opportunity to play their role to combat this pandemic. This paper examines how various endocrinological disorders influence the dynamics of COVID-19 and vice versa. Moreover, it also intends to review the clinical guidelines to be adopted in practice of endocrinology in this trying time.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / complications
  • Endocrine System Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Endocrinology / trends*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / complications
  • Risk Factors