COVID-19 Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome; A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a potentially fatal form of respiratory failure among COVID-19 patients. Globally, there are inconsistent findings regarding acute respiratory distress syndrome among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is to estimate the pooled prevalence of acute respiratory syndrome among COVID-19 patients Methods We have accessed previous studies through an electronic web-based search strategy using PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library with a combination of search terms. The quality of each included article was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa assessment Scale for cross-sectional studies. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version 14 Software for Windows, and meta-analysis was carried out using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane Q statistics and I-Square (I2), and the publication bias was detected based on the graphic asymmetry of funnel plot and/or Egger’s test. Results Out of 645 studies screened, 11 studies with 2845 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the proportion estimation. The overall pooled prevalence of ARDS was found to be 32.2%(95% CI = 27.70%-41.73%). The heterogeneity test (I2) of the study was 97.3% with p value < 0.001. The study indicates there is a considerable variability across the studies. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were computed to detect the effect of variation. Furthermore, the publication bias was evaluated then after the trim and fill analysis was conducted. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 induced acute respiratory distress syndrome was found to be high, which needs a global effort to combat its morbidity and mortality. Therefore, both the governmental and non-governmental organizations better give emphasis on COVID-19 prevention.