Racial Differences and In-Hospital Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Limited data exists on race's impact on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) clinical presentation and outcomes.
• Understanding racial differences is crucial for equitable healthcare during pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial variations in the clinical presentation, disposition, and in-hospital outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• To identify independent predictors of outcomes stratified by race.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 866 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (≥18 years) from a U.S. integrated healthcare system (March-May 2020).
• Data collected on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory values, and in-hospital outcomes.
• Multivariable regression analysis used to assess predictors of outcomes by race.

Main Results:

• Hospitalization rates were highest for Black patients (36.6%).
• Caucasian patients were older with more comorbidities; Black and Hispanic patients had lower ICU admission and less need for pressor support or hemodialysis.
• No significant difference in in-hospital mortality was found between Black or other races compared to Caucasians.

Conclusions:

• Racial variations exist in COVID-19 clinical presentation, laboratory data, and need for advanced support.
• Despite these variations, race did not significantly alter in-hospital mortality in this cohort.
• Findings highlight nuances in COVID-19 care across racial groups early in the pandemic.