Risk factors for intensive care unit need in patients with COVID-19: An analysis of 368 cases

Abstract

Risk factors for intensive care unit need in patients with COVID-19: An analysis of 368 cases

Abstract

Objective: Covid-19 is a global epidemic that predominantly affects the respiratory system, in which about 20% of patients are severe and about 10-15% of mild cases become severe. The clinical and laboratory findings in the course of the disease are mild in the first week and may become more severe in the following days, also the possibility false negativity of the tomography in the first 24-48 hours, making it difficult to select patients in triage. Being able to detect cases that may have a serious course in the Covid-19 pandemic will help health systems to function without interruption. In our study, we tried to identify cases that may need intensive care in triage. Methods: Medical records and radiological findings of 368 patients with laboratory-confirmed Severe-Acute-Respiratory-Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection who were hospitalized between March and June 2020 were reviewed. The patients were analyzed by dividing into two groups; group 1; critically ill patients with severe pneumonia who need intensive care during treatment. Approximately 8% of all patients are in this group. Group 2; non-critical patients who do not need intensive care followed in the clinic. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the patients in Group 1, the rate of being over 50 years old and the male gender ratio were higher than Group 2. Conclusion: Although there are low oxygen saturation, tachypnea and comorbid diseases in critically ill patients in triage, advanced age and male gender were found to be the most important risk factors for intensive care need.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Intensive Care Unit
• Risk Factors
• Triage

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