INTENSIVE CARE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY AND THEIR ASSOCIATED FACTORS: A NATIONAL STUDY IN EGYPT

Abstract

Background: The patterns of comorbidity upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality upon discharge are not well-studied in Egypt. Aim: Therefore, this descriptive cross-sectional study aims to describe these patterns and to highlight their associated factors at the national level. Methods: The study enrolled 1132 ICU patients representing the seven Egyptian regions. Comorbidities were assessed by calculating Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) which was classified into low (≤6) and high (>6) CCI based on median value. Discharge data including condition at discharge were reported. Results: Results revealed male to female percentage of 58.4% and 41.6%, median age of 58 years, rural to urban percentage of 60.3% and 39.7%. Overall mortality was 24% at discharge. The median ICU stay was two days ranging from 0 to 27 days. The most frequent diagnosis was acute myocardial infarction (28.8%). High CCI was 34.9%. Older patients (≥60 years), female patients, and patients with long ICU stay had 7.40-, 1.34-, and 1.91-times higher odds to have high CCI; respectively. Also, older patients (≥60 years), patients from urban areas, patients with short ICU stay, and patients with high CCI had 1.54-, 1.71-, 1.52- and 1.53-times higher odds to die in ICU; respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed a 24% ICU mortality which is related to old age, urban residency, short ICU stay, and high CCI.