The effect of risk factors on the clinical course and treatment of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to have higher morbidity and mortality rates, parallel to the increased risk factors in the elderly. We aimed to define the risk factors related to mortality and morbidity in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease in this study. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥65 years who were hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. We analyzed their demographic data, clinical findings, comorbidities, laboratory and radiologic findings, treatment protocols, and outcomes. Results: A total of 58 patients were included in the study. A total of eight (13.8%) patients died during the clinical follow-up and treatment, and 50 (86.2%) patients were discharged. The most common comorbidities among all patients were hypertension (HT) (69%) and diabetes mellitus (39.7%). The most common symptoms include fever (51.7%), cough (44.8%), and dyspnea (43.1%), and the most common neurologic findings were headache (27.6%) and impaired consciousness (27.6%). Intensive care unit admission was significantly higher among patients with comorbidities of HT, cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The rate of death was significantly higher in patients with a history of smoking, cerebrovascular disease, AF, and HT. Although there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the death rate and leukocyte, neutrophil, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, interleukin-6, and procalcitonin levels, a negative correlation was observed in lymphocyte levels. Conclusion: Age-related comorbid conditions, especially HT, cerebrovascular disease, and AF, caused increased morbidity and mortality rates in older patients with COVID-19.