Impact on the Short-Term Hospital Outcomes From COVID Pandemic Among Older Adults With Sepsis

Objective: This study evaluates clinical characteristics, hospitals outcomes, and mortality determinants in older sepsis patients before and during COVID-19. Methods: Retrospective of sepsis cases (aged 65+) from nine hospitals (2018-2020) using ICD codes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze mortality predictors. Results: Of 4635 sepsis patients, 515 (11.1%) passed in-hospital, with mortality rising to 13.9% during the pandemic from 10% prior (p < .01). Pandemic admissions had more racial minorities and severe comorbidities. Patient safety indicator events decreased during the pandemic (14.8% vs. 17.9%, p < .01), while home discharge rates remained consistent. Pandemic admission and lack of insurance correlated with increased mortality, alongside advanced age, ICU admission, and opioid and sedative use. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic admission and socioeconomic factors heightened mortality risks in older sepsis patients, highlighting the need for targeted care strategies.