Does Covid-19 affects smokers differently ?

Abstract

Data from the previous Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) and severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS)  reported  increased risk of severe disease and mortality in smokers with coronavirus. For COVID-19, data are controversial

To determine the impact of smoking on COVID‐19 severity and mortality

A retrospective study including all patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia between March 2020 and January 2021 in the pulmonary department B at Abderrahman Mami Hospital. We compared the demographic, clinical, biological and radiological characteristics and outcomes of 2 groups:G1:former or current smokers;G2:non smokers

A total of 200 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean age was 64,9±13,5 [22– 98] years and 65% were men. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (46%), diabetes mellitus(40%) and obesity(32%). Half of the patients had a smoking history:43 Current smokers, 52 former smokers. The majority of G1 patients were male (84% vs 6% ;p=0.001). Smokers had an increased risk of severe Covid-19 (RR:1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.14‐2.85;P = 0.012). Fifty one (53%) experienced disease progression compared with 12 (12%) of non smoking patients(RR : 1,5 ; IC : 1.21-7.51 ;p=0,02). Patients with a smoking history had a significantly increased risk of in‐hospital mortality (RR: 1.26; CI: 1.20‐1.32;P < .0001), and need for mechanical ventilation (RR:1.20;CI: 1.01‐1.42;P = 0.043). No differences were found between the 2 groups regarding the age, comobidities, biological inflamatory marquers (Ddimer, Fibrogen, C-reactive protein, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio) and extend of radiological damage)

Smoking is a risk factor for severe COVID‐19, disease progression, mortality, and mechanical ventilation