Clinical characteristics and outcome of older patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective observational study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The objective of the study was to assess the relevant laboratory and clinical factors that may affect the prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19 in older population. Very few studies have specifically investigated the age-specific factors that affect the outcome of the patient in elderly patients [1,2]. Method(s) The study population was adults (>= 60 years) with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between March 2021 and June 2021. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyze all variables as potential predictors for the death of older patients. Result(s) In total, 113 older patients with severe COVID-19, with a median age of 68 years (interquartile range (IQR) 63-74), mortality rate was 61.9%. At admission, the median PO2/FiO2 ratio of the patients was 100 (IQR 90-150) and 33.6% were on mechanical ventilation. Binomial logistic regression showed that total leucocyte counts (TLC), platelet counts (PC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and interleukin- 6 levels were all significantly associated with death. Patients with poor outcomes had significantly lower PO2/ FiO2 ratios at admission, higher TLC, lower PC, higher serum creatinine, and higher LDH as compared to survivals. Patients with poor outcomes had a significantly higher percentage of chronic kidney disease patients (20% vs 4%), and patients who didn't receive remdesivir (27% vs 2.3%). Conclusion(s) Increased TLC, LDH, D-Dimer, IL-6, and decreased PC are associated with poor outcomes. The use of remdesivir may increase the chance of survival in older patients.