Rationale
Being the epicenter of COVID-19 in USA, New York's inner city areas were the most affected during Spring. Reviewing the clinical profiles of affected individuals allows us to identify risk factors for COVID-19 mortality.
Methods
We collected data from 109 charts of COVID PCR+ adult patients (Survivors n=54; Non-survivors n=55) admitted to University Hosiptal of Brooklyn (Mar 2020-Jun 2020) for COVID related symptoms.
EMR review included demographic profile, comorbidities, vital signs at presentation and medications administered. News2 Score, which quantifies abnormal vital signs, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were calculated for each patient.
Statistical analysis was performed using T test and Chi-square test
Results
The age of survivors was significantly lower (67.1±11.3) than non-survivors (74.4 ±10.5) (P<0.01). 65% (36/55) of deaths were men (P=0.1). Length of stay was longer in survivors (12.78 ±15.1days Vs. 8.2±9.8 days); P= 0.04.
News2 Score was significantly higher in non-survivors (9.38 ±2.81 Vs. 6.76 ±3.1 in survivors) (P<0.01). There were no difference in CCI (4.2 ±2.7 in survivors Vs. 4.71±2.0; p=0.28).
40.7% (22/54) of survivors received steroids Vs. 21.8% (12/55); P=0.03. No difference in use of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and full dose anticoagulation (p=0.91, p=0.14, p=0.79 respectively).
Nonsurvivors had more cancer (8/55 Vs. 2/54; P=0.04). There were no significant difference in presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, CAD, CHF, asthma and COPD.
Conclusions
Elderly patients with early signs of COVID should seek prompt medical care. Patients with higher News2 Score at presentation and those with cancer are more likely to die from COVID-19 infection.
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