Analysing COVID-19 treatment outcomes in dedicated wards at a large university hospital in northern Poland: a result-based observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Presenting outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 should be put in context and comparison with other facilities. However, varied methodology applied in published studies can impede or even hinder a reliable comparison. The aim of this study is to share our experience in pandemic management and highlight previously under-reported factors affecting mortality. We present outcomes of COVID-19 treatment in our facility that will allow for an intercentre comparison. We use simple statistical parameters-case fatality ratio (CFR) and length of stay (LOS). SETTING: Large clinical hospital in northern Poland serving over 120 000 patients annually. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from patients hospitalised in COVID-19 general and intensive care unit (ICU) isolation wards from November 2020 to June 2021. The sample consisted of 640 patients-250 (39.1 %) were women and 390 (60.9 %) were men, with a median age of 69 (IQR 59-78) years. RESULTS: Values of LOS and CFR were calculated and analysed. Overall CFR for the analysed period was 24.8%, varying from 15.9 % during second quarter 2021 to 34.1% during fourth quarter 2020. The CFR was 23.2% in the general ward and 70.7% in the ICU. All ICU patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 44 (75.9 %) of them developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The average LOS was 12.6 (±7.5) days. CONCLUSIONS: We highlighted the importance of some of the under-reported factors affecting CFR, LOS and thus, mortality. For further multicentre analysis, we recommend broad analysis of factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 using simple and transparent statistical and clinical parameters.

The prevalence of dyspnea in the adult Polish population.

OBJECTIVES: Dyspnea is one of the most predominant symptom in clinical practice. There is a lack of data about incidents of dyspnea among Polish adults therefore it would be important to establish prevalence of this symptom before COVID-19 pandemic to assess the impact of this infection on the functioning of the adult Polish population in the future. The aim of the study was to establish prevalence of dyspnea in adult Polish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was an observational-cross-sectional study, with representative sample of adult Poles aged 18-79 years. The 2413 participants were surveyed. Responders were asked if and when dyspnea occurs and what is its severity in relation to one of four categories (A, B, C, and D) describing the impact of dyspnea on reduced exercise tolerance and daily activities. RESULTS: The 67.1% of the respondents answered negatively to all question about experiencing dyspnea (females (F) 61% vs. males (M) 74%, p < 0.05). Dyspnea only during intense physical exertion (A), was reported by 22.8% (F 26.2% vs. M 19.2%, p = 0.07). Dyspnea limiting daily activities (B, C and D) was reported by 10.1% (F 13.1% vs. M 7%, p < 0.05). Significant differences in the severity of dyspnea were found between the age groups. People diagnosed with chronic heart failure or lung diseases significantly more often reported dyspnea than people without these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Every tenth Pole reported dyspnea limiting performing activities of daily living. Additionally, about 20% of Poles experienced dyspnea considered as "gray area," only during intense physical exertion, that requires deepening and clarifying the medical history.