Outcomes of COVID-19 and Influenza in Cerebral Palsy Patients Hospitalized in the United States: Comparative Study of a Nationwide Database

Abstract

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, yet comparative outcomes between COVID-19 and influenza in this population remain underexplored. Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2020–2021, we performed a retrospective analysis of hospital data for adults with CP diagnosed with either COVID-19 or influenza. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of these infections to provide insights into their impact on this vulnerable population. We assessed in-hospital mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and discharge dispositions. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to adjust for confounders, enhancing the analytical rigor of our study. The study cohort comprised 12,025 patients—10,560 with COVID-19 and 1465 with influenza. COVID-19 patients with CP had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (10.8% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.2 (95% CI: 1.6–6.4). They also experienced an extended LOS by an average of 2.7 days. COVID-19 substantially increases the health burden for hospitalized CP patients compared to influenza, as evidenced by higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased costs. These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored strategies to effectively manage and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on this high-risk group.