Comorbidity Evaluation and Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Followed in The Palliative Care Center; in Türkiye

INTRODUCTION: To understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients treated in palliative care centers, and the effects of comorbid diseases on oxygen and mechanical ventilation needs and mortality were examined.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis with the data of the patients, whose diagnosis of COVID-19 was consistent with COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and thoracic tomography or chest X-ray findings, and whose isolation period had been completed in COVID-19 clinics and ICUs.
RESULTS: Of the 116 patients treated at the palliative care center, 61 were female and 55 were male. The average age of the patients was 76.60±12.8 years. The mean hospital stay of the female patients was 16.78±10.14 days. The most common comorbid condition was hypertension observed in 67 (57.8%) patients. Morbid obesity (BMI: 35 and above) was observed in 4 patients, all of whom were observed to be female (P: 0.007). During the follow-up of the patients, mortality was observed in 32 patients (27.6%). The need for mechanical ventilation14(%43,75) was significantly higher in the patient group with mortality (P: 0,05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Elderly care patients being treated in palliative care centers, and patients with chronic diseases who are being treated for diseases without curative treatment are in the high-risk group for severe COVID-19 infection.