The Evaluation of Telehealth Services during the Covid-19 Pandemic on Levels of Psychological Growth

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a traumatic event. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of telehealth services offered at the Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine to health workers with presumed COVID-19 or close contact with a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patient on pandemic management, vaccination, and psychological growth at one year after diagnosis.Material and Methods: The cohort study included 237 employees with COVID-19/risky contact who were monitored remotely via a telehealth service provided between April 6 and July 31, 2020. First, they were followed up for 21 days with the telehealth service. Second, they were invited by phone to complete an online questionnaire and 94 (39.7%) of them participated. The questionnaire included questions about pandemic-related difficulties experienced during the last year and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).Results: Of the 234 employees, 172 (73.5%) and 164 (70.1%) had the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, re spectively. Employees who did not need psychological support had significantly lower PTGI change in self-perception and total scores than those who did not/could not receive psychological support (p=0.007 and p=0.016, respectively). Employees who used personal protective equipment (PPE) more carefully had a significantly higher PTGI self-perception score (p=0.005), life philosophy (p=0.014), interpersonal relationships (p=0.011), and total score (p=0.004) than employees who reported that they did not change how they use PPE and were sometimes careless.Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that health workers are showing evidence of posttraumatic growth by seeing the positives as well as the negatives caused by the pandemic.

REGIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN LEFT VENTRICULAR STRAIN IN PATIENTS RECOVERED FROM COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

Objective: COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular involvement have been shown to have a worse prognosis compared to those without cardiovascular compromise. This study aimed to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) global and regional strain is impaired in patients with COVID-19 with or without pneumonia after discharge. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive COVID-19 patients diagnosed by PCR test were enrolled in this cross-sectional study during their first follow-up visit to an outpatient clinic. All patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at the first follow-up visit. The patients were divided into two groups with or without pneumonia, and they were compared with the healthy control group. Results: A total of 123 subjects were included in the study (78 with COVID-19 and 45 in the control group). Admission and follow-up hs-troponin-T concentrations were similar in both the control group and patients with varying severity of COVID-19. LV ejection fraction (EF) was similar in all groups. However, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly lower in subjects with pneumonia compared to the control group and subjects without pneumonia. Regional strain analysis showed that subjects with pneumonia had significantly lower strain values at mid-anterior, mid-anteroseptal, apical-inferior, apical-lateral, and apex regions than subjects without pneumonia or the control group. Conclusion: LV GLS and the regional strain were significantly impaired in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia compared to those without pneumonia or in to control group. This finding indicates that COVID-19 subjects with pneumonia should undergo strain measurement to detect concealed LV involvement. © 2023 The authors.

Poor Risk Factors Affecting Cancer Patients Infected with Covid-19: A Retrospective Comparative Study from a Pandemic Hospital

OBJECTIVE It is known that cancer patients are more prone to infections than the general population. We aimed to describe the risk factors affecting the survival of cancer patients infected with COVID-19 and clinical findings compared with a large COVID-19 patient population without cancer diagnosis. METHODS The clinical data of 61 cancer and 558 non-patients with COVID-19 infection who applied to the emergency room were compared retrospectively. Risk factors affecting overall survival in cancer patients were analyzed. RESULTS Gender and mean age were comparable in both groups. In the entire cohort, cancer diagnosis was found to be an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.09, p<0.001) among other comor-bidities. In univariate analysis;lung cancer, activated partial thromboplastin time >32 seconds, INR >1.1, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >400 pg/ml, C-reactive protein >100 mg/L, and procalcitonin >0.23 ng/mL were determined as prognostic risk factors. Lung cancer (HR=5.277, p=0.012) and NT-proBNP >400 pg/ml (HR=0.139, p=0.021) were determined as independent prognostic risk factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Cancer patients with COVID-19 infection have poor survival outcomes. Lung cancer diagnosis and elevated NT-proBNP levels were identified as the most crucial prognostic risk factors in cancer patients infected with COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology.

ASSOCIATING eNOS GENE VARIANTS WITH COVID-19 SUSCEPTIBILITY IN THE TURKISH POPULATION

Objective: COVID-19 is a serious respiratory and vascular disease that impairs the protective function of the endothelial barrier. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the most important isoform for nitric oxide (NO) production, is mostly expressed in endothelial cells. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether eNOS G894T and variable tandem repeat number (VNTR) functional variants show predisposition to developing COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The study includes a total of 384 subjects (284 COVID-19 patients and 100 healthy controls). Two eNOS gene variants (G894T and VNTR) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods, with the results being evaluated using statistical methods. Results: A significant association has been identified between eNOS G894T and COVID-19. For the eNOS G894T variant, the T/T genotype (p=0.035) and T allele carriers (p=0.030) appear to have an increased risk of developing COVID-19. The eNOS G894T G/G genotype (p=0.030) was more common in the control group compared to the patient group. No significant difference was found between groups regarding the eNOS VNTR genotype and allele frequencies (p>0.05). The genotypes of the patient and control groups for these variants were in Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium (HWE). Conclusion: These results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that the eNOS G894T variant is associated with an increased risk of developing COVID-19 in the Turkish population. These findings may lead to the emergence of new treatment options. Further research is required to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. © 2023 The authors.

Evaluation of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their relationship with subclinical myocardial dysfunction by left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients who recovered from COVID-19

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a great impact on patients' physical problems as well as psychological status. However, there is limited data about the impact of psychological problems on cardiac function during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health disorders and subclinical early myocardial systolic dysfunction by left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) imaging in patients recovered from COVID-19.Methods: Of the 108 participants, 71 patients had recovered from COVID-19;the members of the study group were prospectively recruited to the study after COVID-19 recovery. Comparisons were made with a risk-factor matched control group (n=37). The psychological status of the subjects, namely, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Impact of Events Scale (IES-R) at follow-up visits, were assessed via questionnaire forms. The relationship between the psychological parameters and LVGLS values was subsequently evaluated.Results: Overall, 45.0% of patients with COVID-19 had some degree of anxiety after recovery. A significant negative correlation was found between LVGLS and DASS-21 total score, DASS-21 anxiety subscale score, IES-R total score, and IES-R intrusion subscale score (r=-0.251, p=0.02;r=-0.285, p=0.008;r=-0.291, p=0.007;and r=-0.367, p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the DASS-21 total score was identified as an independent predictor of LVGLS (b=-0.186, p=0.03).Conclusions: Patients who suffered from the COVID-19 disease may have experienced psychological distress symptoms due to COVID-19, which may be associated with silent impairment in myocardial systolic functions measured by global longitudinal strain analysis.

Patient Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in 504 Hospitalized Patients Due to Covid-19

Objective: In this study, we aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics, symptoms, and comorbidities of 504 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. We also sought to describe the relationship between these features and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive study involving 504 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 16.03.2020 and 07.05.2020 at Istanbul Universitys' Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Information about the patients was obtained from the hospital automation system and evaluated retrospectively. Results: The average age of the 504 patients was 56 +/- 15.14, and 59.1% of them were male. The proportion of the patients admit-ted into ICU 11.9% and for 8.52% of them the disease resulted in death. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results were positive for 60.5% of the patients. The median time spent in the hospital was eight days. Fifty six percent of the patients had at least one accompanying comorbid disease, with hyper-tension (39.3%) and diabetes (20.8%) being the most common. Being 65 years old or older (p<0.001), days spent in the hospital (p<0.001), presence of at least one comorbidity (p=0.009), hypertension (p=0.003), coronary artery disease (p=0.004), congestive heart failure (p=0.005) and dyspnea (p<0.001) were all factors found in those admitted to ICU. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection leading to high morbidity-mortality rates and an increased requirement for ICU admission is mainly seen among older patients and those who have dyspnea. During the process of analyzing patients suspected of COVID-19 who are admitted to hospital, it is crucial to consider both the patient's age and any respiratory symptoms. Such a clinical evaluation is crucial for a better understanding of the course of the disease.

Comparison of biventricular myocardial strain according to treatment regimens in patients discharged after COVID-19 recovery

Purpose: The effects of different COVID-19 therapeutic strategies on cardiac function are uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different medical treatments on biventricular function in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to examine the biventricular myocardial function of patients at follow-up visits after recovery from COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups based on the medication they used during the active disease: favipiravir (FAV;n = 60) or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ;n = 60). A comparison was made with risk factor-matched controls (n = 41). Results: A total of 161 patients were included in the study. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, end-diastolic diameter, and end-systolic diameter were higher in the HCQ and FAV groups compared to the controls, while the left ventricular ejection fraction was similar between all the groups. The right ventricular diameter was increased, and the systolic pulmonary artery pressure was higher in the HCQ and FAV groups compared to the controls. The left ventricular global longitudinal strain (-18 +/- 6.6 vs. -19.7 +/- 4.4 vs. -20.4 +/- 5, respectively), the right ventricular global longitudinal strain (-19.8 +/- 7.5 vs. -22.2 +/- 6 vs. -23.4 +/- 6.2, respectively), and the right ventricular free wall strain (-16.9 +/- 3.6 vs. -18.2 +/- 2.4 vs. -19.6 +/- 4.7, respectively) were worse in the HCQ group compared to the FAV and control groups. Conclusion: This study found echocardiographic evidence of subclinical cardiac involvement in both the HCQ and FAV groups compared to the controls. However, HCQ treatment was associated with an increased risk of biventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction in COVID-19 survivors compared with FAV treatment.

Poor Risk Factors Affecting Cancer Patients Infected with Covid-19: A Retrospective Comparative Study from a Pandemic Hospital

OBJECTIVE It is known that cancer patients are more prone to infections than the general population. We aimed to describe the risk factors affecting the survival of cancer patients infected with COVID-19 and clinical findings compared with a large COVID-19 patient population without cancer diagnosis.METHODS The clinical data of 61 cancer and 558 non-patients with COVID-19 infection who applied to the emergency room were compared retrospectively. Risk factors affecting overall survival in cancer patients were analyzed.RESULTS Gender and mean age were comparable in both groups. In the entire cohort, cancer diagnosis was found to be an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.09, p<0.001) among other comorbidities. In univariate analysis;lung cancer, activated partial thromboplastin time >32 seconds, INR >1.1, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >400 pg/ml, C-reactive protein >100 mg/L, and procalcitonin >0.23 ng/mL were determined as prognostic risk factors. Lung cancer (HR=5.277, p=0.012) and NT-proBNP >400 pg/ml (HR=0.139, p=0.021) were determined as independent prognostic risk factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Cancer patients with COVID-19 infection have poor survival outcomes. Lung cancer diagnosis and elevated NT-proBNP levels were identified as the most crucial prognostic risk factors in cancer patients infected with COVID-19.

Evaluation of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their relationship with subclinical myocardial dysfunction by left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients who recovered from COVID-19

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a great impact on patients' physical problems as well as psychological status. However, there is limited data about the impact of psychological problems on cardiac function during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health disorders and subclinical early myocardial systolic dysfunction by left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) imaging in patients recovered from COVID-19. Method(s): Of the 108 participants, 71 patients had recovered from COVID-19;the members of the study group were prospectively recruited to the study after COVID-19 recovery. Comparisons were made with a risk-factor matched control group (n=37). The psychological status of the subjects, namely, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Impact of Events Scale (IES-R) at follow-up visits, were assessed via questionnaire forms. The relationship between the psychological parameters and LVGLS values was subsequently evaluated. Result(s): Overall, 45.0% of patients with COVID-19 had some degree of anxiety after recovery. A significant negative correlation was found between LVGLS and DASS-21 total score, DASS-21 anxiety subscale score, IES-R total score, and IES-R intrusion subscale score (r= -0.251, p=0.02;r= -0.285, p=0.008;r= -0.291, p=0.007;and r= -0.367, p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the DASS-21 total score was identified as an independent predictor of LVGLS (beta= -0.186, p=0.03). Conclusion(s): Patients who suffered from the COVID-19 disease may have experienced psychological distress symptoms due to COVID-19, which may be associated with silent impairment in myocardial systolic functions measured by global longitudinal strain analysis. Copyright © 2022 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation

Dipyridamole does not have any additive effect on the prevention of COVID-19 coagulopathy

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SaRS-Cov-2) associated respiratory disease (COVID-19), announced as a pandemic, is a multisystem syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 directly infects and damages vascular endothelial cells, which leads to microvascular dysfunction and promotes a procoagulant state. Dipyridamole (DP) acts as a reversible phosphodiesterase inhibitor and is used mainly as an antiplatelet agent. It is hypothetised that it has possible activities in COVID-19. Design and Methodology: We report our retrospective, real-world results of DP added to low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the treatment of 462 clinically diagnosed and hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We compared anticoagulation with and without DP addition with no administration of anticoagulation in the same time frame. The primary outcome was proven or highly suspected coagulopathy within 30 days of hospitalization. Results: Definitive coagulopathy has been diagnosed in 3 (3.5%) of 85 LMWH administered patients and 7 (2.13%) of 328 DP + LMWH received patients (P=0.456). Five cases with definitive coagulopathy were not initiated any anticoagulation at the time of the event. The multivariate analysis showed that DP addition to the anticoagulant approach did not have any impact on the risk of demonstrated coagulopathy and highly-suspected coagulopathy. Conclusion: We think that our clinical experience is valuable in showing the real-life results of DP + LMWH treatment in COVID-19. This approach did not affect the coagulopathy rate. Our data did also not document an additive effect of DP in the COVID-19 outcome. Prospective controlled trials would give more convincing results regarding the role of DP in COVID-19 endothelial dysfunction and clinical outcome.

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY IN 504 HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS DUE TO COVID-19

Objective: In this study, we aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics, symptoms, and comorbidities of 504 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. We also sought to describe the relationship between these features and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive study involving 504 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 16.03.2020 and 07.05.2020 at Istanbul Universitys’ Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Information about the patients was obtained from the hospital automation system and evaluated retrospectively. Results: The average age of the 504 patients was 56±15.14, and 59.1% of them were male. The proportion of the patients admitted into ICU 11.9% and for 8.52% of them the disease resulted in death. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results were positive for 60.5% of the patients. The median time spent in the hospital was eight days. Fifty six percent of the patients had at least one accompanying comorbid disease, with hypertension (39.3%) and diabetes (20.8%) being the most common. Being 65 years old or older (p<0.001), days spent in the hospital (p<0.001), presence of at least one comorbidity (p=0.009), hypertension (p=0.003), coronary artery disease (p=0.004), congestive heart failure (p=0.005) and dyspnea (p<0.001) were all factors found in those admitted to ICU. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection leading to high morbidity-mortality rates and an increased requirement for ICU admission is mainly seen among older patients and those who have dyspnea. During the process of analyzing patients suspected of COVID-19 who are admitted to hospital, it is crucial to consider both the patient’s age and any respiratory symptoms. Such a clinical evaluation is crucial for a better understanding of the course of the disease. © 2022 Istanbul University Press. All Rights Reserved.

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY IN 504 HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS DUE TO COVID-19

Objective: In this study, we aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics, symptoms, and comorbidities of 504 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. We also sought to describe the relationship between these features and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Material and Methods: This study is a descriptive study involving 504 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 16.03.2020 and 07.05.2020 at Istanbul University's Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Information about the patients was obtained from the hospital automation system and evaluated retrospectively. Results: The average age of the 504 patients was 56 +/- 15.14, and 59.1% of them were male. The proportion of the patients admitted into ICU 11.9% and for 8.52% of them the disease resulted in death. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results were positive for 60.5% of the patients. The median time spent in the hospital was eight days. Fifty six percent of the patients had at least one accompanying comorbid disease, with hypertension (39.3%) and diabetes (20.8%) being the most common. Being 65 years old or older (p<0.001), days spent in the hospital (p<0.001), presence of at least one comorbidity (p=0.009), hypertension (p=0.003), coronary artery disease (p=0.004), congestive heart failure (p=0.005) and dyspnea (p<0.001) were all factors found in those admitted to ICU. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection leading to high morbidity-mortality rates and an increased requirement for ICU admission is mainly seen among older patients and those who have dyspnea. During the process of analyzing patients suspected of COVID-19 who are admitted to hospital, it is crucial to consider both the patient's age and any respiratory symptoms. Such a clinical evaluation is crucial for a better understanding of the course of the disease.

High levels of circulating il-6 and il-8 signature can predict covid-19 severity

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may trigger a cytokine storm, which is characterized by uncontrolled overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 46 severe and 32 mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients. The serum levels of cytokines and chemokines were determined using the Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Screening Panel. Results: Out of a total of 78 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 54 (69.2%) were males, and 24 (30.8%) were females. The mean age was 43.1 ± 13.3 and 58.2 ± 15 in mild and severe patients, respectively. Severe patients were characterized by significant laboratory abnormalities, such as increased WBC (P = 0.002) and neutrophil counts (P = 0.001), higher levels of ALT (P = 0.03), AST (P = 0.002), LDH (P < 0.001), urea (P = 0.013), ferritin (P < 0.001), D-dimer (P = 0.042), CRP (P < 0.001), and decreased lymphocyte (P < 0.001) and platelet (P = 0.045) counts. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1β, and MCP-1 increased in the severe group compared to the mild group. However, significant differences were observed only for IL-6 (P < 0.001) and IL-8 (P < 0.001) levels. Conclusions: Serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels can be used as potential prognostic biomarkers of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. © 2021, Author(s).

Cross-talk between the Inflammatory Response and Coagulopathy: Single-center Report

Background : Covid-19 appeared quaint with evolving hyperinflammation phase, vasculoendothelial dysfunction, and a distinct coagulopathy. Aims : We present our experience regarding coagulopathy predictive factors in hospitalized Covid-19 patients just after pandemic declaration. Methods : The data were obtained retrospectively by screening the institution's electronic data system between March and May 2020. The treatment protocol based on Health Ministry guidelines, includes hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, favipiravir, low-molecular-weight heparin, dipyridamole, and anti-cytokine agents on the hyperinflammation phase. We stratified 3 groups, patients with proven coagulopathy, highly suspected coagulopathy, and patients without coagulopathy. Highly suspected coagulopathy encompasses clinical deterioration with sudden and inconsistent D-dimer elevation. Results : A total of 511 patients were screened. Forty-nine of them were excluded due to accompanying conditions resulting in high D-dimer levels. The median age of the remaining patients was 56 years with a male/female ratio of 284/178. Proven coagulopathy as documented thrombosis developed in 3.2% with a male predominance (60%). Highly suspected coagulopathy was decided in 10.1% of patients. Among predictive factors for coagulopathy, the risk factors at admission were being over 65-year-old, having coronary artery disease, dyspnea, severe lymphopenia (<500/μl), monocytopenia (<300/ μl), and elevated LDH. For highly suspected coagulopathy, in addition to these having more than 3 comorbidities, high initial ferritin (>1000 ng/ml) and d-dimer levels as greater than 3600 U/ml were also predictive. The clinical pictures in the proven coagulopathy group included 5 myocardial infarctions, 4 disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 2 deep vein thrombosis, 1 catheter-related venous thrombosis, 1 catheter-related venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, 1 lower extremity arterial thrombosis, 1 stroke. All DIC cases had gram-negative bacterial sepsis. Conclusions : Our data suggest coagulopathy is not directly correlated with inflammation severity but patients in hyperinflamation phase should be pursued for possible proven coagulopathy.

COVID-19 AND COLORECTAL SURGERY: LESSONS LEARNED FROM FIRST CASES

Objective: This study aimed to examine the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative colorectal surgery experience during the initial stage of the pandemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) later named COVID-19 disease in Turkey and to assess conditions and needs. Material and Method: Seven early cases of colorectal disease patients are described and lessons learned from these cases are reported. All patients' preoperative workup included two nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabs for SARS-CoV-2 taken at a three-day interval preoperatively and a thorax computerized tomography scan taken on a preoperative day. Results: COVID-19 infection occurred before and after surgery despite all measures taken, including isolation. It became complicated to manage surgical complications such as stoma complication, surgical site infection, and small bowel obstruction. Nonetheless, while patients with underlying health conditions have a high mortality rate from COVID-19 infection, no death was observed in this small case series. Conclusion: Medical centers must be well organized to perform colorectal surgery under pandemic conditions. Patients may initially test negative or become positive for COVID-19 at any stage during this disease outbreak. Multidisciplinary teamwork with the infectious disease department and anesthetists can prevent mortality from COVID-19 infection during colorectal surgery and subsequent hospitalization.

Erratum to: Older Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Clinical Characteristics and Early Outcomes from a Single Center in Istanbul, Turkey (The journal of nutrition, health & aging, (2020), 24, 9, (928-937), 10.1007/s12603-020-1499-9)

Two unrelated tables have interfered with our article. There are two Table 1 and Table 2 in the original publication. We request readers to disregard “Table 1. General characteristics of the subjects by sex” and age and “Table 2. Parameters of the ROC analysis for the diagnostic performance of SPPB in identifying high risk for frailty phenotype and geriatric syndromes for community-dwelling older adults by sex”. The correct Table 1 and Table 2 is found in the manuscript as “Table 1. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the hospitalized Covid-19 patients stratified by age” and “Table 2. Laboratory and radiological findings of the hospitalized Covid-19 patients at hospital admission stratified by age. We apologize to the readers for this error on proof stage ”

Older adults hospitalized with COVID-19: clinical characteristics and early outcomes from a single center in Istanbul, Turkey

Objective: Older adults have been continuously reported to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes of Covid-19. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics and early outcomes of the older Covid-19 patients hospitalized in our center comparatively with the younger patients, and also to analyze the triage factors that were related to the in-hospital mortality of older adults. Design: Retrospective;observational study. Setting: Istanbul Faculty of Medicine hospital, Turkey. Participants: 362 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 from March 11 to May 11, 2020. Measurements: The demographic information;associated comorbidities;presenting clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics on admission and outcomes from the electronic medical records were analyzed comparatively between the younger (<65 years) and older (65 years) adults. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality of the older adults were analyzed by multivariate regression analyses.