Factors associated with mortality in critical patients with COVID-19 in an university center in Paraguay

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a world health issue. Generally, it is with mild and around 5% evolves to a severe disease that requires intensive care. Aim: To determine the clinical profile, mortality and associated factors in COVID-19 patients admitted at the Adult Intensive Care Department at the Hospital de Clinicas, between August 2020 and August 2021. Methods: Cross-section observational analytic study. Data was obtained from clinical charts. Results: 214 patients were included, with an average age of 54 years, 57.9% male. Overall mortality was 38.3%. Factors associated significantly with mortality were: ≥60 years of age, comorbidity (diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic renal disease), severity index (APACHE II, initial SOFA), high procalcitonin, use of vasopressor, mechanical respiratory assistance and prone decubitus; as well as the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and hemodialysis. Multi varied analysis identified as mortality risk factors: ≥60 years of age, noradrenaline use and hemodialysis. Conclusion: Mortality rate is similar to that reported worldwide. Mortality risk factors identified show a population with higher possibilities for unfavorable outcome.