Publication date: Jan 24, 2025
To investigate the outcomes of geriatric COVID-19 patients in a German academic setting during the pandemic. This study included 468 consecutive geriatric patients (≥ 70 years) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were treated at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 2/2020 to 3/2021. 74 patients were transferred to a geriatric hospital and a 12-month follow-up (prospective study) was performed in 51 patients. Clinical assessments evaluated depression (GDS), apathy (AES), cognitive status (MMST), mobility (TUG), health status (EQ-5D-5 L), and daily living activities (Barthel Index). Demographic and clinical data were also analyzed. Results showed that the mortality in this vulnerable group was 52% (n = 209). Long-term survival was higher in patients who received comprehensive geriatric treatment (74. 3% vs. 51. 8%). The duration of inpatient stay at the primary hospital was 13. 3 +/- 3. 6 days, with 28. 8% (n = 135) requiring intensive care. At the 12-month mark more patients with geriatric treatment lived in nursing homes. Barthel-Index/Timed-Up-and-Go-Test/MMST/AES/GDS, and EQ-5D-5 L indicated worse outcomes in the group who received geriatric treatment. Specialized geriatric care may improve survival in geriatric COVID-19 patients despite decreased long-term outcomes. Further research, including international studies like NAPKON, are encouraged to confirm these findings and explore potential interventions for improved outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | depression |
| disease | MESH | apathy |
| disease | MESH | health status |
| disease | MESH | Infection |
| disease | MESH | death |
| disease | MESH | frailty |
| disease | MESH | sarcopenia |
| disease | MESH | dementia |
| disease | MESH | cognitive decline |
| disease | MESH | Infectious Diseases |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Coenzyme M |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methionine |
| disease | MESH | delirium |
| disease | IDO | algorithm |
| disease | IDO | history |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Pentaerythritol tetranitrate |
| disease | MESH | anxiety |
| disease | MESH | affective symptoms |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Isoxaflutole |
| disease | IDO | acute infection |
| disease | MESH | severe acute respiratory syndrome |
| disease | MESH | Pneumonia |
| disease | MESH | Emergency |
| disease | MESH | critical illness |
| disease | MESH | stroke |
| disease | MESH | major depressive disorders |
| disease | MESH | Arthritis |
| disease | MESH | Alzheimer’s disease |
| pathway | REACTOME | Reproduction |