Publication: Comorbidities and clinical features related to severe outcomes among COVID-19 cases in Selangor, Malaysia
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Background: Pre-existing comorbidities are predictive of severe COVID-19 infection requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. This study determined comorbidity and additional predictive factors for invasive ventilatory support among Malaysian COVID-19 patients. Method: Field data collected during COVID-19 outbreak in Selangor, Malaysia up to 13th April 2020 were used. It contained sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and presenting symptoms of COVID-19 cases. Their medical records were traced for information on intensive care unit admission requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 1,287 COVID-19 positive cases were included in the analysis. The most common comorbidities among COVID-19 patients were hypertension (15.5%) and diabetes (11.0%). More than one third of symptomatic patients presented with fever (43.8) and cough (37.1%). Among all 25 intubated cases, 68.0% had hypertension, 88.0% had fever, 40.0% had dyspnoea and 44.0% was lethargic. Multivariable regression model showed that the odds of being intubated among COVID-19 patients were significantly higher among older person (aged ?60 years) [adjusted odd ratio (aOR=3.9)], those who had hypertension (aOR =5.7), presented with fever (aOR=9.8), dyspnoea (aOR=9.6), and lethargy (aOR = 7.9). Conclusion: Old age, hypertension, and several presenting symptoms were strong risk factors for invasive ventilatory support among COVID-19 patients. They must be diagnosed early and monitored closely to improve clinical outcome.