Abstract

Background: Geriatric patients with COVID-19 have had poor clinical outcomes globally, especially during the first wave of the pandemic. In Taiwan, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred from May to July 2021. This retrospective study aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes between geriatric and younger patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A total of 257 confirmed COVID-19 cases who were hospitalized from May to June 2021 were included. Their characteristics and outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, use of mechanical ventilation, and hospital stay, were collected for analysis.

Results: There were 98 elderly patients (aged < 65 years, median, 72.5 (interquartile range, 69.0–78.0) years) and 159 younger patients (aged < 65 years, median 55.0 (46.0–60.0) years). The elderly patients had a significantly higher Charlson comorbidity score (4.0 (3.0–5.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0–2.0), p < 0.001), and significantly higher D-dimer, procalcitonin, ferritin, and creatinine levels, but lower albumin level than the younger patients. The elderly group also had higher in-hospital mortality (7.1% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.05), were more likely to develop severe disease (83.7% vs. 67.9%, p < 0.01), and had a longer hospital stay (15.0 (11.0–23.0) vs. 12.0 (9.0–16.5) days, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the elderly patients did not have a higher risk of using high-flow nasal cannulas (17.3% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.63) or mechanic ventilation (23.5% vs. 17.0%, p = 0.20).

Conclusion: Elderly COVID-19 patients had significant higher risks of severe disease, mortality, and longer duration of hospitalization, possible due higher rates of comorbidities and pro-inflammatory status.