298 Impact of Presenting Vital Signs on Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with Coronavirus

Abstract

Among patients admitted with coronavirus, vital signs recorded at initial emergency department (ED) presentation may inform outcomes. Our objective was to assess the impact of presenting vital signs on discharge after hospitalization, neurological sequelae, and hospital length of stay. We conducted a retrospective investigation at Elmhurst Hospital (Queens, New York) recognized as “the epicenter of the epicenter” of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Included were 2216 adult patients who tested positive for coronavirus. We studied vital signs recorded upon initial ED presentation including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. We used multivariable logistic regression models to test for associations between presenting vital signs and discharge after hospitalization, neurological sequelae (cognitive/sensory/motor changes, new emotional instability, new onset seizures), and hospital length of stay. Upon abstract submission, data abstraction was still ongoing. Preliminary analysis suggested an association between higher initial oxygen saturation and increased odds of discharge after hospitalization (OR 1.108, 95% CI 1.004-1.223). It also suggested an association between higher initial respiratory rate and increased odds of neurological sequelae (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.008-1.327). No association was observed between presenting temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and outcomes. Among patients hospitalized with coronavirus, initial vital signs obtained at ED presentation provide useful prognostic information on short term outcomes.