Contemporary assessment of short- and functional 90-days outcome in old intensive care patients suffering from COVID-19

Purpose

There are limited data about the outcome of old intensive care (ICU) patients suffering from Covid-19 in the post-vaccination era. This study distinguishes the pre- and post-acute illness living conditions of ICU survivors from non-survivors.

Methods

This prospective international multicenter study included 642 old (≥ 70 years) ICU patients, including data ranging from pre-illness condition to functional 90-days follow-up. The primary endpoint was the difference of living conditions of ICU-survivors before ICU admission and 90-days after ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes were 90-days mortality, and quality of life.

Results

A total of 642 patients were included. Significantly more ICU survivors lived at their own homes without support before ICU admission than non-survivors (p = 0.016), while more non-survivors resided in nursing homes (p = 0.016). ICU mortality was 39 %, 30-days and 90 days mortality were 47 %and 55 %. After 90 days, only 22 % maintained the same living conditions. Surviving patients viewed ICU admission positively after 90 days, while relatives were more uncertain. Quality of life indicated a self-reported average score of 60 (50–75).

Conclusion

Living conditions influence the outcome of critically ill old patients suffering from Covid-19. Only a minority returned to their initial habitat after ICU survival.

Trial registration number NCT04321265