Global prevalence of prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and potential pathogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study aimed to determine the cumulative prevalence of prolonged gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack appetite, abdominal pain, and dysgeusia, in survivors both mild severe COVID-19 worldwide discuss potential pathogenesis. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web Science) were searched for relevant articles up January 30, 2021. Data on characteristics, clinical characteristics during follow-up, number patients with GI total retrieved according PRISMA guidelines. The quality eligible studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. pooled specific symptoms calculated association between severity occurrence if appropriate. Results: The global nausea 3.23% (95% CI: 0.54%–16.53%) among 527 survivors. Vomiting persisted 93 2,238 (3.19%, 95% 1.62%–6.17%) diarrhea found 34 1,073 (4.12%, 1.07%–14.64%). A 156 (4.41%, 1.91%–9.94%) complained persistent decreased or loss appetite. pain 1.68% 0.84%–3.32%), whereas dysgeusia identified 130 cases 1,887 (7.04%, 5.96%–8.30%). insufficient assess relationship all symptoms. Conclusion: Persistent after discharge recovery raises a concern regarding long-term impact infection life Despite several explanations proposed, that aim follow from pathogenesis are warranted. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021239187.