High Plasma Concentration of Non-Esterified Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Is a Specific Feature of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Background: The pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 is frequently associated with an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Severe forms of COVID-19 appear to be more frequent in obese patients, but an association with metabolic disorders is not established. Here, we focused on lipoprotein metabolism in patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia, depending on COVID-19 status. Methods: Thirty-four non-COVID-19 and 27 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. Most of them required intensive care. Plasma lipid levels, lipoprotein metabolism, and clinical and biological features were assessed. Findings: Despite similar initial metabolic comorbidities and respiratory severity, COVID-19 pat…