Characteristics and early outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in North Zealand, Denmark.
Maria Elisabeth Lendorf, Mogens K. Boisen, Peter Lommer Kristensen, Ellen Løkkegaard, Sebastian Moretto Krog, Lisbet Brandi, Louise Brinth, Rúna Louise Mortansdóttir Nolsöe, Camilla Koch Ryrsø, Pia Eiken, Morten H. Bestle, Inger Merete Jørgensen, Ulrik Pedersen‐Bjergaard, Birgitte Lindegaard, Thomas Broe Christensen, Thea Kølsen Fischer
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited data are available describing the clinical presentation and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Europe. METHODS: This was a single-centre retrospective chart review of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to the North Zealand Hospital in Denmark between 1 March and 4 May 2020. Main outcomes include major therapeutic interventions during hospitalisation, such as invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as death. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were included, including four infants. The median age of adults was 68 years and 40% were female. At admission, 55 (50%) patients had a fever, 29 (26%) had a respiratory rate exceeding 24 breaths/minute, and 78 (70%) received supplemental oxygen. The prevalence of co-infection was 13%. Twenty patients (18%) (median age: 64 years; 15% female) were treated in the intensive care unit. Twelve (10.4%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and three (2.6%) renal replacement therapy. Nine patients (8%) developed pulmonary embolism. Sixteen patients (14%) died. Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 12), seven (6.1%) were discharged alive, four (3.4%) died and one (0.9%) was still hospitalised. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, mortality was lower than in other Danish and European case series. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.