Evaluation of patients with negative PCR tests after COVID-19 pneumonia in intermediate-level intensive care unit

Abstract

Objectives: The need for an intensive care unit has increased during the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For this reason, intermediate-level intensive care units (IICUs) were established in hospitals worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the data of patients that hospitalized in IICU.

Methods: Patients under treatment for COVID-19 were followed up in IICU after the negative polymerized chain reaction test. A total of 52 patients were evaluated retrospectively between August 24, 2020 and March 1, 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to discharge status from IICU (Group 1: exitus, Group 2: transferred to clinic, or discharged home). Demographic data, comorbidities, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), treatments and procedures, and complications were recorded.

Results: Seventeen (32.7%) of 52 patients who were followed up in IICU died. Thirty-five patients (67.3%) were transferred to the clinic or discharged home. The APACHE II scores at admission to IICU were higher in Group 1 (26.11 ± 5.86) than in Group 2 (23.43 ± 6.32) but not statistically significant. GCS was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (7.82 ± 2.42 and 10.25 ± 2.58, respectively, p = 0.002). Mechanical ventilation rate (82.3%) and the need for inotropic agents (76.5%) were higher in Group 1 (p = 0,034 and p < 0.001, respectively). Tracheostomy was applied to 5 of all patients, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed 4 of them.

Conclusions: We think that IICU created during the pandemic provides effective treatment for patients needing intensive care. We think IICU is beneficial in providing quick patient discharge in tertiary intensive care units.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• pneumonia
• intensive care unit
• intermediate
• physiotherapy
• mortality

Supporting Institution

Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital

Thanks

Thanks to intermediate level intensive care unit's multidiciplinary team for studying together and telling our hardwork with this trial during the pandemic.

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