Atypical presentation of COVID-19 in hospitalised older adults.
Ir J Med Sci
; 190(2): 469-474, 2021 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-778059
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
It is increasingly recognised that older patients may not present with typical symptoms of COVID-19.AIMS:
This study aims to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and clinical outcome of older adults with atypical presentations of COVID-19.METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of adults ≥ 65 years with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to our institution between 1 March and 24 April 2020 was performed. Patients were categorised into typical or atypical groups based on primary presenting complaint in the community.RESULTS:
One hundred twenty-two patients (mean age 81 ± 8 years; 62 male) were included. Seventy-three (60%) were categorised into the typical group and 49 (40%) into the atypical group. In the atypical group, common presenting complaints were fall in 18 (36%), reduced mobility or generalised weakness in 18 (36%) and delirium in 11 (22%). Further assessment by paramedics and on admission found 32 (65%) to have typical features of COVID-19, fever being the most common, and 22 (44%) were hypoxic. This subset had worse outcomes than those in the typical group with a mortality rate of 50% versus 38%, respectively, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.27). No significant difference in mortality or length of hospital stay between the groups was demonstrated.CONCLUSION:
Older patients with atypical presentation of COVID-19 in the community are equally susceptible to poor outcomes. Early detection may improve outcomes and limit community transmission. Primary care practitioners should be vigilant and consider prompt onward referral.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Ir J Med Sci
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S11845-020-02372-7
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