Endocrine Disorders and COVID-19

Annu Rev Med. 2023 Jan 27:74:75-88. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-043021-033509. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

The multifaceted interaction between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the endocrine system has been a major area of scientific research over the past two years. While common endocrine/metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes have been recognized among significant risk factors for COVID-19 severity, several endocrine organs were identified to be targeted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). New-onset endocrine disorders related to COVID-19 were reported while long-term effects, if any, are yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the "stay home" measures during the pandemic caused interruption in the care of patients with pre-existing endocrine disorders and may have impeded the diagnosis and treatment of new ones. This review aims to outline this complex interaction between COVID-19 and endocrine disorders by synthesizing the current scientific knowledge obtained from clinical and pathophysiological studies, and to emphasize considerations for future research.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; adrenal; endocrine system; obesity; pituitary; reproduction; thyroid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2