Risk Factors for Intensive Care Unit Admission and In-hospital Mortality Among Hospitalized Adults Identified through the US Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET)

TLDR

The United States has the largest number of COVID‑19 cases and deaths worldwide, and aggressive prevention measures such as social distancing and hand hygiene could protect the population, especially high‑risk individuals. The study aims to identify risk factors for severe outcomes among hospitalized adults with COVID‑19 using a geographically diverse surveillance network. Researchers analyzed data from 2,491 hospitalized adults across 154 hospitals in 13 states, using multivariable models to examine how age, sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities relate to ICU admission and in‑hospital death. Among 2,491 hospitalized adults, 32 % required ICU care, 19 % needed mechanical ventilation, and 17 % died; older age, male sex, obesity, immunosuppression, and diabetes were independently associated with ICU admission, while older age, male sex, immunosuppression, renal, lung, cardiovascular, neurologic disease, and diabetes independently predicted in‑hospital mortality.

Abstract

Abstract Background Currently, the United States has the largest number of reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths globally. Using a geographically diverse surveillance network, we describe risk factors for severe outcomes among adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods We analyzed data from 2491 adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between 1 March–2 May 2020, as identified through the Coronavirus Disease 2019–Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network, which comprises 154 acute-care hospitals in 74 counties in 13 states. We used multivariable analyses to assess associations between age, sex, race and ethnicity, and underlying conditions with intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality. Results The data show that 92% of patients had ≥1 underlying condition; 32% required ICU admission; 19% required invasive mechanical ventilation; and 17% died. Independent factors associated with ICU admission included ages 50–64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years versus 18–39 years (adjusted risk ratios [aRRs], 1.53, 1.65, 1.84, and 1.43, respectively); male sex (aRR, 1.34); obesity (aRR, 1.31); immunosuppression (aRR, 1.29); and diabetes (aRR, 1.13). Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality included ages 50–64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥ 85 years versus 18–39 years (aRRs, 3.11, 5.77, 7.67, and 10.98, respectively); male sex (aRR, 1.30); immunosuppression (aRR, 1.39); renal disease (aRR, 1.33); chronic lung disease (aRR 1.31); cardiovascular disease (aRR, 1.28); neurologic disorders (aRR, 1.25); and diabetes (aRR, 1.19). Conclusions In-hospital mortality increased markedly with increasing age. Aggressive implementation of prevention strategies, including social distancing and rigorous hand hygiene, may benefit the population as a whole, as well as those at highest risk for COVID-19–related complications.