A new Irish study has identified the underlying conditions that are associated with more severe outcomes from COVID-19.

According to the findings, people with chronic heart disease, a chronic neurological condition, chronic kidney disease, and cancer, carry the most risk. Those who are morbidly obese are also at a higher risk of experiencing a more severe outcome if infected with the virus.

The study was carried out by researchers at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, with the support of the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

It took place between March and July 2020 and it involved almost 20,000 patients. Among the patients studied, 1,476 (7.5%) died, 2,811 (14%) were hospitalised and 438 (2%) had to be admitted to an ICU.

"Previous studies conducted have suggested that specific underlying conditions influence adverse health outcomes among those with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. However, the majority of these studies have focussed on hospital-based or local populations only.

"This study is the first population-based research to capture data across all settings in Ireland, including both community and hospital settings, and so it gives us a better picture of the impact of the disease on patients at the population level," explained Prof Kathleen Bennett, an associate professor in biostatistics at the RCSI.

As part of the study, non-severe cases were interviewed via telephone by regional contact tracing centres or departments of public health. Data on hospitalised or severe cases was collected by public health or contact tracing teams, with some information being provided by hospital teams.

Data collected included age, whether the person was living in a residential care facility, and likely source of transmission.

"We are very grateful for the cooperation of the patients who were interviewed and shared their insights as part of the study," commented HPSC director, Dr John Cuddihy.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, The Lancet Regional Health - Europe.