THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY OF ADULT WITH COVID-19: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Abstract

By the ending of 2019 a new type of coronavirus was identified named SARS-CoV 2, and now known to be the etiological agent of the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Known as coronavirus 2019 disease or (COVID-19) constitutes a challenge for the world in many unknown aspects and problems in public health. In Ecuador the first reported of a confirmed appeared on February 29 2020, and in March 12 an emergency health status is declared. Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and factors related to death and survival in patients with COVID-19. Design: The study is of transversal retrospective design, the patients chosen were those seen in the respiratory or suspicious of COVID-19 area of Hospital Vozandes Quito between March 2 and April 30. Demographic data and related risk factors for mortality were obtained using the EPI-1 individual form, epidemiological research files, the VI Epi system and electronic promptuary of patients. Results: 250 patients were obtained for this study, 87 of those were confirmed COVID-19, out those eight died and 79 were alive at the ending of the follow up. Regarding the severity of illness, 61% of the patients were classified as mild and 6 % critical (p =<0.001). Elevated values of CRP (OR 1 IC 95% 1.000 – 1.024), age about 55 years old to diagnosis (OR 42,040 IC 95% 36,320 – 47,760) and the presence of hiporexia (OR 24 IC 95% 1.183 – 504.413) were associated with higher mortality levels amongst COVID-19 positive patients. Conclusions The majority of COVID-19 cases showed no serious manifestations, were treated symptomatically and home isolation. Elevated values of CRP and the presence of hiporexia at the diagnosis are factors consistently with death. Future investigations are required to determine the risk factors associated with worst clinical course and prognosis.