Clinical epidemiological characterization of patients affected by COVID-19 in a General Hospital of Veracruz, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Background. Since the beginning of the pandemic and its passage through the different affected continents, there have been differences in the presentation depending in part on the characteristics of each population, so it is important to know how it behaves in the local population. Methods. Clinical-epidemiological study in adults hospitalized for suspected COVID-19 at the General Hospital 71 of the City of Veracruz, Mexico, from April to December 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics are studied, as well as a comparative and stratified analysis was performed by intubation and death. Results. 1212 patients are included, 53% are men, average age 49 years. 20.5% reported sudden onset of symptoms;the most frequent fever (79.8%), headache (75.2%), cough (71%), myalgia (62%), arthralgia (58%) and dyspnea (46.3%). Comorbidities were reported in 54.7%, the most frequent Hypertension (29.2%), Diabetes (29.1%) and obesity (13.9%). Regarding the outcomes, 120 (9.9%) required intubation and 300 (25%) died. Men requiring intubation were significantly older than women [62.5 vs 37.5%;p = 0.027]. The mean age of the intubated patients was higher compared to that of the non-intubated [60.5 vs 44.8 years;p = 0.001]. The male gender had a risk association for intubation. The group aged 60 years or older compared to those aged 59 years or younger had a higher risk of intubation. Clinical variables that had a risk association with intubation were dyspnea, chest pain and prostration. Among comorbidities, hypertension and diabetes had a risk association with intubation. Female gender and headache had a protective association for intubation. In addition, odynophagia, rhinorrhea, and abdominal pain showed a protective association for intubation. There was no difference in terms of gender by death. The mean age of the patients who died was significantly older [64.5 vs 43.8 years;p = 0.001]. The clinical variables that had a risk association with death were dyspnea, chest pain, polypnea, cyanosis and prostration. The protective variables were rhinorrhea, odynophagia, headache and conjunctivitis Conclusion. By studying a population affected by COVID, its own characteristics and inherent risks can be known to help take local diagnosis and treatment strategies that ensure a better outcome for those affected.