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Published on: September 24, 2020
General Hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit-Related Factors of COVID-19 Patients in Northeastern Colombia:
Catalina Cáceres Ramírez1, Alvaro José Lora Mantilla1, Laura Alejandra Parra Gómez1
1Research, Development, and Technological Innovation Department, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander, Floridablanca, COL.
Insights
Older age, male sex, and comorbidities like hypertension and obesity increase COVID-19 hospitalization risk. These factors are crucial predictors for patient outcomes in Colombia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- COVID-19 poses significant risks, particularly for hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
- Understanding demographic and clinical predictors is vital for managing patient outcomes.
- Regional variations in risk factors require specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patients consulting for COVID-19 in a Colombian hospital.
- To identify factors associated with general hospitalization and ICU admission for COVID-19.
- To evaluate the predictive value of comorbidities for COVID-19 severity.
Main Methods:
- Ambidirectional cohort study utilizing baseline data.
- Inclusion of patients with positive COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests presenting with respiratory symptoms.
- Data collection via telephone interviews, medical record review, and vital sign extraction.
Main Results:
- 3,030 patients enrolled; predominantly male, median age 60.
- Distinct symptom patterns observed between men (respiratory) and women (general).
- Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes identified as common risk factors for hospital admission; antibiotic use also implicated.
Conclusions:
- Male sex, older age, hypertension, obesity, prior thrombotic events, and self-medicated antibiotics predict general hospitalization.
- Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer are associated with ICU admission.
- The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) effectively assesses the impact of pre-existing conditions on COVID-19 hospitalization risk.
Abstract:
Objective This study aims to describe demographic and clinical characteristics and the factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 general hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) care of patients who consulted in a third-level hospital in Santander, Colombia. Methods We used baseline data from an ambidirectional cohort study. We included all patients with positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 who came to the emergency room (ER) for respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19. Information regarding patients' baseline characteristics and symptoms was collected through telephone interviews and review of medical records. Vital signs were extracted from medical records as well. Results We enrolled 3,030 patients, predominantly men, with a median age of 60 (interquartile range (IQR): 44-73). Symptoms of the acute phase varied between men and women. Men presented with more respiratory symptoms, and women had general symptoms. Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes were common risk factors for hospital admission. Antibiotic consumption may also play a role in hospital admission. Conclusions Male sex, older age, hypertension, obesity, prior thrombotic events, and self-medicated antibiotics were associated with general hospitalization. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer were associated with ICU admission. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) is a powerful tool for evaluate the impact of pre-existing health conditions on COVID-19 hospital admission. We highlight the importance of these findings as possible predictors in our region.
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