Grupos de risco da COVID-19: relação com gravidade e evolução da doença

Abstract

To assess, in patients hospitalized for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the relationship between risk group categories and the severity and progression of the disease. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, conducted using data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe), based on mandatory notifications. The sample consisted of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the years 2020 and 2021 in Passo Fundo, RS. The independent variables analyzed included risk factors/comorbidities and the outcomes of interest were Disease severity (length of hospital stay, admission to the Intensive Care Unit and use of ventilatory support) and case progression (recovery/death). Results: The sample consisted of 5,234 patients, of whom 79.3% had a risk factor for severe COVID-19, with notable presence of advanced age (47%), cardiovascular diseases (36.6%), diabetes mellitus (25.4%) and obesity (14.3%). The majority (58%) remained hospitalized for 8 days or more, 34% were admitted to the ICU, 90% used ventilatory support and 27% died. A statistically significant difference was observed between the presence of risk factors and all four outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with risk factors for COVID-19 developed more severe cases and had worse disease progression.