Mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients that were residents of nursing homes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic many outbreaks in nursing homes were reported. Aim(s) To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients previously living in nursing homes. Method(s) This prospective study collected and evaluated data related to demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 4 clinics in Greece. Result(s) 185 patients (74.1% female), median age of 85(IQR 77-90) years were recruited. 29.7% of patients died. Parameters that influenced the high mortality rate were older age, the presence of dementia and atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, delay admission, fever >=38oC, dyspnea, low lymphocytes, high neutrophils, elevated LDH and DDimers were reported. Cardiovascular events, acute kidney and liver injury were more frequent in the group of patients who did not survive (40%vs14.6%, p<0.001, 50.9%vs13.1%, p<0.001, and 18.2%vs1.5%,p<0.001 respectively). In cox regression analysis independent risk factors for fatal outcome were dementia [HR (95%CI)5.067(1.512-16.981),p=0.009] and cardiovascular events [HR(95%CI)2.709(1.191-6.165),p=0.018]. Conclusion(s) Mortality rate is high in COVID-19 patients, residents of nursing homes. Comorbidities with predominance dementia and cardiovascular diseases, specific laboratory findings and delayed hospital referral were the main aspects contributing to adverse outcomes.