Risk factors of mortality among patients with COVID-19: A hospital-based retrospective study

Abstract

Background: It is not easy to predict either severity or mortality in a patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the clinical presentation is variable and treatment response varies from person to person, and at the same time, there is a lack of standard treatment protocol. Objective: The objective of this study is to study the risk factors of mortality among patients with COVID-19. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was carried out among 299 cases of COVID-19. Hospital records of patients admitted with COVID-19 at the study center from January 2021 to June 2021 were studied. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were studied with respect to mortality. The Chi-square test for proportions and t-test for mean values was applied, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Those who died were significantly older (55 years vs. 47 years). Gender and vaccine status were not associated with mortality; however, there were only eight cases who took vaccine and all of them recovered. Among clinical variables, SpO2 at admission, severe disease, oxygen dependency, requirement of nasal canula, requirement of noninvasive ventilation, requirement of intubation, and requirement of remdesivir treatment were significantly associated with mortality. Among the CT scan severity score (CTSS), COVID-19 reporting and data system score (CORADS) and laboratory and inflammatory markers, the CTSS, CORADS, d-dimer, C-reactive protein, creatinine, urea, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Elderly patients, SpO2 at admission, requirement of oxygen, and other supportive measures as well as inflammatory markers can be used for the early detection of those cases at risk of death. They can be given special care to reduce mortality.

Keywords

• coronavirus disease-2019
• mortality
• risk factors