Impact of MAFLD on quality of life and neuropsychological status in post-COVID patients: a cross-sectional analysis

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Abstract

Background. With the increasing prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among patients with metabolic syndrome, there is a growing incidence of neurocognitive decline, depression, and anxiety. Similar complaints are observed in post-COVID syndrome. This spectrum of disorders poses a significant socio-economic burden, substantially impacting quality of life and work capacity.

Aim. To assess the quality of life, psycho-emotional, and cognitive status of patients with MAFLD who recovered from COVID-19-associated pneumonia (COVID-AP).

Materials and methods. In a cross-sectional study utilizing telephone surveys, patients hospitalized for COVID-AP between December 2021 and January 2022 were evaluated for the need for subsequent hospitalization and any medical consultations after discharge; work capacity; memory impairments; stress levels; and quality of life using validated assessment scales.

Results. A total of 71 patients were included in the final analysis: 17 patients with confirmed MAFLD and 54 controls. The groups were comparable by sex (p=0.55) and age (p=0.935). The MAFLD group demonstrated a higher frequency of impaired glucose tolerance (p<0.001) and a need for medication and/or dietary interventions to control blood sugar following COVID-AP (odds ratio – OR 6.22; p=0.015). Patients with MAFLD showed reduced quality of life due to difficulties in daily activities (OR 17.967; p<0.001), increased levels of anxiety and depression (OR 3.491; p=0.031), decreased health satisfaction (p=0.014); issues related to forgetfulness and memory (p=0.036), and short-term memory (p=0.013). MAFLD patients more frequently reported doubts about their ability to cope with personal problems (p=0.004) and dissatisfaction with their work capacity (p<0.001).

Conclusion. MAFLD significantly impairs quality of life, increases the risk of psychological stress and depression, worsens memory and cognitive functions, and reduces work capacity. Integrated clinical approaches addressing both metabolic and post-COVID complications are necessary to improve overall patient outcomes.

About the authors

Taisiia A. Turankova

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Author for correspondence.
Email: turankova_t_a@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8441-7396

Assistant

Russian Federation, Moscow

Eva A. Verdiyan

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: turankova_t_a@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-7489-7630

Student

Russian Federation, Moscow

Marina V. Novikova

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Email: turankova_t_a@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-1403-3700

Cand. Sci. (Med.)

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Alexey Iu. Brazhnikov

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: turankova_t_a@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5587-8860
SPIN-code: 5737-5472

Cand. Sci. (Med.)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Chavdar S. Pavlov

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Botkin Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center

Email: turankova_t_a@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5031-9798
SPIN-code: 5052-9020
Scopus Author ID: 57196355076

D. Sci. (Med.), Prof.

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

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Copyright (c) 2025 Turankova T.A., Verdiyan E.A., Novikova M.V., Brazhnikov A.I., Pavlov C.S. Consilium Medicum

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