Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with comorbid pathology

Abstract

Comorbidity is an important problem of modern medicine, the study of which is a priority for public health. According to  the literature, the prevalence of comorbidity reaches a third of the population in some countries, while there is a tendency for an increase in the number of such patients in all age groups. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of   comorbidity in patients is a significant risk factor affecting the course and prognosis of a new coronavirus infection; at the same time, it is comorbid patients who belong to the most vulnerable group. The review presents data indicating a significant impact of comorbid pathologies on an increase in the number of complications and mortality; the most common combinations of diseases in patients with a new coronavirus infection were analyzed. There is an increase in the prevalence of comorbidity in all age groups, which dictates the need to develop an integrated interdisciplinary approach for such patients. The vast majority of clinical guidelines for the  treatment of comorbidities in COVID-19 are mainly focused on individual diseases, which limits the use of these algorithms in comorbid patients. Due to the high risk of contracting a viral infection, as  well as the frequent development of   complications and mortality in comorbid patients, preventive measures should be  focused simultaneously on two tasks: measures aimed at preventing infection with COVID-19 and compensating for  comorbid pathology. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, careful monitoring of such patients, most often in a hospital setting, is necessary in order to prevent complications and adverse outcomes.