The Outcome of COVID-19 Patients with Moderate to Severe Disease: A Single Institution Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the outcome of COVID-19 positive patients with moderate to severe disease.
Study Design:  A cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study:  This study was conducted at the Department of Medicine of Combined Military Hospital, Malir Karachi, Pakistan, from 1^st Jun 2020 to 31^st Jul 2020.
Materials and Methods:  Total 67 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, including males and females, were studied. All patients were admitted with presenting complaints such as fever, cough, arthralgia, or shortness of breath. Investigations including complete blood count, serum ferritin, quantitative CRP, liver function tests, renal function tests, blood sugar fasting, and random chest radiographs and ECG were performed. Critical patients were admitted to COVID ITC and managed with high-flow oxygen and assisted ventilation. Patients with moderate disease were admitted to a high-dependency unit and managed with oxygen, intravenous dexamethasone, intravenous antibiotics, anticoagulants, and antiviral therapy patients accordingly. Supportive treatments, including zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D, were given to all patients.
Results:  Out of total 67 patients, 56 were suffering from comorbidities. Eighteen patients have died. Forty-nine patients have recovered with uneventful recovery.
Conclusion: All over the world advanced age and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and chronic kidney disease remain a major health hazard for an increased likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infections outcomes. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19 cases could only be possible with good clinical acumen to prevent a catastrophic outcome.