Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 between ICU and non-ICU patients

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> During the peak of COVID-19 crisis between May and September 2021, Hospital UiTM Sg. Buloh was converted to a full COVID-19 hospital. We described our experience in managing active COVID-19 patients and subsequent follow-ups. <b>Result:</b> 215 COVID-19 patients were admitted to Hospital UiTM Sg Buloh between May and September 2021; 81 patients (38%) required ICU admission, and 134 patients (62%) required only ward admission. Mean age was 53 years old, male 61%, mean day of illness at presentation was 9 days, and mean duration of hospital admission was 10 days. Fully vaccinated patients were less likely to be admitted to ICU, OR 0.2 (0.04 - 0.89). ICU patients were more likely to be female Adj OR 2.0 (1.11-3.56), diabetic Adj OR 1.9 (1.04-3.68), have more extended hospital stay (17 vs. 6 days), and higher mortality OR 5.50 (2.64-11.34). In terms of laboratory investigations 24 hours prior to oxygen requirement, those required ICU admissions have higher creatinine (167 vs. 107 mmol/L), CRP (115 vs. 69 ug/L), and ALT (80 vs. 53 mmol/L), as well as lower PF ratio (148 vs. 210). Cardiac arrhythmias and secondary infection were more likely in ICU patients, Adj OR 16.44 (1.56-172.81) and 12.05 (5.44-26.69), respectively. While pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and acute cor-pulmonale were only observed in ICU patients. Mortality was recorded in 43 cases (20%). 83 patients out of 172 COVID-19 survivors (48%) attended a 3-month follow-up which revealed no difference in symptoms, 6-minute-walk-tests, and spirometry between ICU and non-ICU patients. <b>Conclusion:</b> ICU COVID-19 patients have poorer outcomes during hospital admission but similar recovery with non-ICU patients at 3-month follow-up.