Impacto de la fragilidad y COVID-19 en una cohorte de gente mayor de la ciudad de Barcelona

Abstract

Objetive To describe the incidence and mortality of the first wave of COVID-19 in the elderly population of Barcelona, according to their previous levels of frailty. DesignRetrospective cohort study. Setting and participantsPopulation aged 65 or over assigned to the Barcelona Primary Care centres of the Institut Català de la Salut, followed between March and June 2020. Main measurementsFrailty was calculated at baseline from the computerised medical records. Results during follow-up: diagnosis of COVID-19, possible or confirmed with PCR and all-cause mortality. Results251788 patients over 64 years of age were analysed, 61.3% had some level of frailty, 27.8% moderate or severe. The incidence of COVID-19 was 3.13 cases per 100 inhabitants (N=7883) and the mortality from COVID-19 was 21.5% (N=1691). Both the incidence and mortality from COVID-19 were higher at older age, in men, at greater deprivation and at a higher level of frailty. Individuals with mild, moderate, and severe frailty had an adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) for COVID-19 disease of 1.47, 2.08, and 3.50, respectively. Among subjects with COVID-19, those with mild, moderate, and severe frailty had an adjusted HR for COVID-19 mortality of 1.44, 1.69, and 2.47, respectively. ConclusionsWe consider it necessary to address frailty also in a pandemic situation, since it is a treatable condition and in turn a more serious risk factor for COVID-19, where the role of primary care is essential, due to its accessibility and longitudinal character.