ABSTRACT
Background Much effort has been placed on evaluating serological tests that can predict worsening prognosis in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Endotracheal intubation in SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a higher risk of mortality. While studies have evaluated serological markers that can predict worsening prognosis, the likelihood of intubation in these patients has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine if any serum marker corresponded to oxygen escalation or de-escalation in SARS-CoV-2-infected pre-intubated patients. Methodology This retrospective study reviewed 1,754 SARS-CoV-2 patients in the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHHC) system who required non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) such as continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure. All patients were above the age of 18, were not terminally ill and requiring hospice care, and were admitted to the NYCHHC system between March 1, 2020 and May 17, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 serological labs were collected for five days for patients initiated on NIPPV, such that day one was 24 hours after NIPPV initiation. Results Multivariate and univariate linear regression modeling on this population cohort was remarkable for a significant association between serum albumin levels and oxygen escalation or de-escalation from NIPPV. Conclusions We conclude that serum albumin level may have further utility in predicting oxygen escalation in pre-intubated patients with SARS-CoV-2, especially in a low-resource and high-demand setting.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: SARS-CoV-2 infection includes a variety of gastrointestinal manifestations along with the usual viral symptoms of malaise and myalgias. The objective of this study was to determine if intravenous parenteral nutrition (PN) affected the risk of intubation in SARS-CoV-2 patients who were dependent on non-invasive ventilation. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter case-control study which analyzed oxygen requirements for 1974 adults with SARS-CoV-2, who were admitted to the local public hospital system between March 1 and May 17, 2020. Relevant baseline biomarkers were studied over 5 days. The main outcome was an escalation or de-escalation of oxygen requirements relative to the exposure of PN. RESULTS: 111 patients received PN while on non-invasive ventilation. Patients who received PN had a significantly lower odds (p < 0.001) of oxygen escalation in comparison to their control group counterparts (OR = 0.804, 95% CI 0.720, 0.899) when matched for age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and gender. CONCLUSION: Initiating PN in the setting of non-invasive ventilation of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients was significantly associated with a lower odds of oxygen escalation. PN does not independently exacerbate oxygen requirements in SARS-CoV-2 infected pre-intubated patients.