BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has significantly impacted global mortality, particularly among those aged 45–84 years. Worldwide deaths exceeded official reports, reaching at least 3 million in 2020. In the Philippines, mortality increased in 2021 but declined by 2022. Key factors include comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Limited research, resources, and healthcare challenges hinder localized mortality prediction and management efforts.

METHODS

This study analyzed 234 randomly selected COVID-19 patients admitted between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021, using quantitative methods, descriptive and predictive designs, and advanced statistical techniques.

RESULTS

Most COVID-19 patients in our study were older adults, predominantly female, with non-severe cases and mild PaO2/FiO2 ratios, indicating mild respiratory distress. Comorbidities were uncommon, but when present included hypertension and diabetes, affecting hospitalization length. Patients generally had low Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores and were linked to better outcomes. Most recovered and were discharged, with a mortality rate lower in the Philippines compared to global figures. Severe cases were more common in older adults and males, often requiring mechanical ventilation. SOFA scores and PaO2/FiO2 ratios correlated with severity, while comorbidities prolonged hospital stays. Hospitalization averaged 11.3 days, shorter than global durations.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients with two or more accompanying diseases are likely to stay longer in the hospital. On the other hand, patients on mechanical ventilation support are likely to have shorter hospital stay.

Human ; Covid-19

Introduction: Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, a renal cortical tumor characterized by malignant epithelial cells with clear cytoplasm and compact alveolar or acinar growth pattern interspersed with intricate arborizing vasculature.1 This is rare in people less than 45 years old. Though it has varied clinical manifestations, its classical triad: abdominal mass, hematuria, and groin pain only present in four to 17% of cases.2 We therefore present a case of renal cell carcinoma occurring in an unusual age group who presented with vague gastrointestinal symptoms and polycythemia which accounts only less than 5% of cases.3 Case Presentation: This is a case of a 28-year-old Filipino male who presented with epigastric pain with abdominal fullness and anorexia who later complained of frequent vomiting after solid and liquid intake. CBC revealed polycythemia. Gastroscopy with biopsy showed esophagitis Los Angeles classification Grade A and duodenal mass obstructing 95% of the lumen. Computed tomographic scan of whole abdomen revealed large renal mass, right of 15.9x9.35x11.34cm extending superiorly at the antropyloric region causing gastric luminal narrowing down to first and second segments of duodenum with a 4.2cm enlarged lymph node in aortocaval area. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a huge complex right renal mass of 12x12x10cm in size extending beyond Gerota’s fascia with 8x5.2x6.2cm lymph node compressing the vena cava. Right radical nephrectomy was done for both supportive management to relieve the obstruction and for histologic diagnosis which revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma. JAK2 gene mutation test was done to determine the cause of polycythemia and phlebotomy was performed to address the problem. Conclusion This case presents with vague gastrointestinal symptoms which is atypical of renal cell carcinoma, hence highlights the importance of properly investigating its cause. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach involving different subspecialties plays a significant role in the diagnosis and management in this patient.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Polycythemia