Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Korea
- Author:
Jae Hong CHO
1
;
Eun Mi HAM
;
Chang Hae PYO
;
Hyun Kyung PARK
;
Keun Hong PARK
;
Hahn Bom KIM
;
Jin Hyung PARK
;
Yu Sung LEE
;
Ji Sun KIM
;
Eun Gon SONG
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2021;32(6):509-524
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a global concern. This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, demographics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in the emergency department (ED) and explore clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Methods:This single-center, retrospective, observational study used 1,003 adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who went to the ED and were admitted to the hospital between February 28 and September 30, 2020.
Results:The median age of the included patients was 55 (37-68) years, and 533 were women (53.1%). Severe COVID-19 was noted in 173 patients (17.2%); seven patients (0.7%) received mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was 2.1%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis found the risk factors associated with in-hospital death of patients (age >70 years [hazard ratio (HR), 27.411; P<0.001], albumin level <3.5 g/dL [HR, 12.273; P<0.001], CURB-65 [confusion, urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age and older] score ≥3 [HR, 10.137; P=0.002] and platelet count <100×109/L [HR, 3.281; P=0.024]) on admission.
Conclusion:Age>70 years, hypoalbuminemia, CURB-65≥3 and thrombocytopenia on admission were independent risk factors for mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Early detection of these predictors and application of CURB-65 score in the ED may provide guidance for appropriate risk stratification at triage and disposition of patients at increased risk of poor prognosis.
