Endocrine Disorders and COVID-19

The multifaceted interaction between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) 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 betweenCOVID-19 and endocrine disorders by synthesizing the current scientific knowledge obtained from clinical and pathophysiological studies, and to emphasize considerations for future research.

Automated summary

The interaction between COVID-19 and the endocrine system has been studied extensively. Obesity and diabetes are recognized as significant risk factors for COVID-19 severity, and SARS-CoV-2 can affect multiple endocrine organs. New-onset endocrine disorders related to COVID-19 have been reported, but long-term effects are still uncertain. Stay-at-home measures during the pandemic have disrupted care for patients with pre-existing endocrine disorders and hindered the diagnosis and treatment of new cases. This review aims to summarize the complex interaction between COVID-19 and endocrine disorders and highlight considerations for future research.