Association Between Common Comorbidities and Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Hospitalised in General Hospital Našice – A Cross-Sectional Study

(Original article)

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to define the impact of comorbidities, specifically hypertension as one of the most common chronic diseases, on the outcome and length of stay for COVID-19 patients.

Methods: The cross-sectional study, carried out from October to December 2021, included 129 hospitalised COVID-19 patients who presented to the Emergency Department and were hospitalised and treated in the COVID ward in the General Hospital Našice. All patients tested positive for COVID-19 with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Clinical parameters were also recorded and they included demographic factors, comorbidities, type of antihypertensive therapy, new-onset hypertension, length of stay and the overall outcome.

Results: The most common comorbidity was hypertension (86, 66.7%). Hypertension was associated with women (P = 0.03) and age over 65 years (P < 0.001). Length of stay was longer for patients with hypertension (P = 0.04) and/or diabetes mellitus (P = 0.04). Higher mortality was associated with age over 65 years (P < 0.001) and a higher number of comorbidities (P = 0.01). New-onset hypertension was recorded in three patients. There was no significant difference in the outcome in relation to antihypertensive therapy.

Conclusion: Hypertension is the most common comorbidity in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Although treated hypertension did not have a negative impact on the outcome, other potential risk factors, including a higher number of comorbidities and older age, are associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients.