Characteristics and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in 243 elderly patients with COVID-19 in Santorso, Italy: a retrospective study.

Abstract

Large proportion of deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred worldwide, especially in elderly patients. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential risk factors for mortality in the elderly patients with COVID-19. 65 years old or older patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Hospital «Alto Vicentino» of Santorso, Vicenza, from 23th February to 25th May 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Data of demographics, clinical features, comorbidities and blood tests were collected and compared for different outcomes. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Barthel Index (BI) and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore risk factors for death. 243 patients with mean age 81,3±8,4 years were enrolled, of which 121 (49,8%) were females. This cohort included 11 (4,5%) mild, 131 (53,9%) moderate, 94 (38,7%) severe, 7 (2,9%) critical cases. CCI and BI were 2,8±2,1 points and 31,3±34,9 points respectively. Lethality rate was 28,4% (69 cases). Univariate logistic regression showed a significant increase in mortality risk with increasing age, CCI, polypharmacy, MEWS, Severity Index and reduced BI. Among blood tests thrombocytopenia, high CRP and elevated LDH showed a significant correlation with mortality. In the multivariate logistic regression high CCI, low BI and thrombocytopenia remained to be predictors of death. Tools, which evaluate functional dependence like BI and multiple morbidity like CCI, can be useful in identifying the elderly patients with COVID-19 at greater risk.