COMPARISON OF SEVERITY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 FROM MULTIETHNIC BACKGROUNDS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

TYPE: Abstract TOPIC: Chest Infections PURPOSE: To evaluate association between severity of COVID-19 infection in hospitalised patients belonging to different ethnic backgrounds. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 728 COVID-19 affected patients admitted to King George Hospital and Queens Hospital between April 2020 and March 2021. Ethnic groups included were White (British), Asian, Black, White (Other) and others. Admission chest X-ray was classified as mild (score less than 6), moderate (between 7 and 12) and severe (more than 13) using a semiquantitative severity score. Rates of admission to intensive care unit, modes of respiratory support required and mortality were also compared between the groups. RESULTS: Of the 728 patients admitted, White (British) constituted 51% of total patients. X-ray data was unavailable for 9% (n=51). Severe X-ray scores was found in 12% of White (British) and 15% of patients from other ethnic background (p=0.24), whereas moderate scores were seen in 33% and 39% respectively (p=0.07). ITU admission was required in 11% of white (British) compared to 20% from other ethnicities (p=0.001). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was required for 21% vs 26% (p=0.12) and mechanical ventilation for 5% vs 10% (p=0.013) of White (British) and other ethnicities respectively. Proportion of death was more in White (British) as compared to other ethnicities (12% vs 5%; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in chest X-ray severity amongst COVID-19 patients from different ethnic backgrounds. Requirement of mechanical ventilation and ITU admissions were significantly more among non-whites, whereas mortality was more in White (British). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Ethnicity did not have a substantial prognostic factor in Covid-19 survival. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: Continuous positive airway pressure -CPAP, MV- mechanical ventilation, ITU- intensive therapy unit